Balado Ikan Asin Gabus: A Flavorful Indonesian Dish
Balado Ikan Asin Gabus, a delightful Indonesian dish, celebrates the savory taste of fried salted fish paired with a spicy chili sambal. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also brings a burst of flavors that are perfect for serving alongside warm steamed rice. Let’s explore the ingredients and detailed steps to create this culinary delight.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ikan asin gabus (salted fish) | 2 pieces |
| Cabe merah (red chilies) | 10 pieces |
| Cabe rawit (bird’s eye chilies) | 10 pieces |
| Bawang merah (red shallots) | 4 cloves |
| Tomat (small tomato) | 1 piece |
| Bawang putih (garlic) | 1 clove |
| Lengkuas (galangal) | 1 finger-sized piece |
| Garam (salt) | To taste |
| Gula (sugar) | To taste |
| Minyak goreng (cooking oil) | As needed |
Nutritional Information
The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on the total recipe serving 2):
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Preparation Steps
-
Preparing the Salted Fish:
- Begin by soaking the ikan asin gabus (salted fish) in warm water. This process helps to reduce the saltiness, making the fish more palatable. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor during the soaking process.
- After soaking for about 15 minutes, cut the fish into small cubes.
-
Frying the Fish:
- In a frying pan, heat enough minyak goreng (cooking oil) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cubed salted fish and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Making the Sambal:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cabe merah, cabe rawit, bawang merah, tomat, and bawang putih. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- For added flavor, gently crush the lengkuas with a pestle or the back of a knife. This step releases the aromatic oils.
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Sautéing the Sambal:
- Using the leftover oil from frying the fish, reduce the heat and add the sambal mixture to the pan. Sauté the sambal over low heat until fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Combining the Ingredients:
- Once the sambal is aromatic, add the fried fish back into the pan. Season the mixture with a pinch of gula (sugar) to balance the flavors. Gently toss the fish in the sambal, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
-
Serving:
- Transfer the Balado Ikan Asin Gabus to a serving dish and enjoy it hot, ideally served with warm steamed rice. This dish is a perfect balance of spicy, salty, and savory, making it a delicious addition to any meal.
Tips for Success
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor of your sambal.
- Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the fish.
Conclusion
With its vibrant flavors and straightforward preparation, Balado Ikan Asin Gabus is a fantastic choice for those seeking to explore Indonesian cuisine. This dish not only highlights the unique taste of salted fish but also incorporates a spicy kick that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy this dish at your next meal and bring a taste of Indonesia to your table!
