Spicy Indonesian Tilapia with Devilish Chili Sauce (Ikan Nila Bumbu Setan)

Ikan Nila Bumbu Setan (Devilish Spicy Tilapia)

If you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, and mouthwatering, this Ikan Nila Bumbu Setan will surely light up your taste buds! A popular dish in Indonesian cuisine, this spicy fried tilapia is cooked with a fragrant and fiery sauce that delivers the perfect balance of flavors. The sauce combines rich, deep-spiced components with the fresh, crispy fried tilapia, making it a hit at any gathering or meal. Let’s dive into how to make this delectable dish!

Ingredients

For the Fried Tilapia:

For the Sauce (Bumbu Halus):

For the Garnish:

Additional:

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tilapia:

   • Begin by thoroughly cleaning the tilapia. Pat them dry with paper towels, ensuring any excess moisture is removed. Rub the fried fish spice mix (Indofod) generously over the fish, making sure they’re well-coated. Set aside.
   • Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the tilapia until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

2. Make the Spicy Sauce (Bumbu Halus):

   • While the tilapia is frying, it’s time to make the spicy sauce. In a blender, combine the shallots, garlic, red bird’s eye chilies, large red chilies, shrimp paste (terasi), tamarind pods, chicken seasoning mix (Rayco), salt, and sugar. Blend until smooth, adding a little water as needed to achieve a paste-like consistency.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a clean pan, heat some oil over low heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Then, toss in the sliced green and red chilies for a pop of color and additional flavor. Continue to sauté until the chilies are slightly soft.
   • Next, add the freshly ground spice paste to the pan and stir continuously until it begins to bubble and release a fragrant aroma.

4. Add the Final Touches:

   • Once the spice mixture has cooked for about 5 minutes, add in the bruised ginger and lime leaves. Continue to sauté the mixture until it releases its oil and the aroma fills your kitchen.
   • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with palm sugar, salt, or soy sauce as needed. You want the sauce to strike a balance between sweet, salty, and spicy – a truly delectable Indonesian flavor profile.

5. Serve the Dish:

   • To serve, gently spoon the spicy sauce over the crispy fried tilapia. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the luscious sauce. For garnish, add the sliced red and green chilies for a beautiful contrast, along with extra lime leaves for fragrance and color.

6. Enjoy!:

   • Serve this spicy and savory Ikan Nila Bumbu Setan with steamed rice, and prepare to be amazed by the wonderful combination of textures and flavors. The crispy fish contrasts perfectly with the rich, flavorful sauce, creating an unforgettable dish.

Serving Suggestion

Pair this dish with a cool, refreshing cucumber salad or steamed white rice to balance the bold spiciness of the sauce. You can also serve this alongside a fresh tropical fruit salad for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

This recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors and a spicy kick. Whether it’s a family meal or a special dinner for friends, Ikan Nila Bumbu Setan will surely become a favorite. Enjoy the blend of fiery chilies, fragrant spices, and crispy fried fish with every bite!