Spicy Kembung Fish in Tomato Oyster Sauce

Kembung Sambal Tomat with Oyster Sauce

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Kembung Sambal Tomat, a traditional Indonesian dish that showcases the succulent kembung fish, beautifully complemented by a savory tomato and oyster sauce blend. This dish not only brings vibrant colors to your table but also tantalizes the palate with its perfect balance of spices.

Ingredients

• 4 medium kembung fish (cut into halves)
• 3 medium tomatoes (diced)
• 1/2 medium onion (sliced)
• 3 shallots (thinly sliced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• Cooking oil (as needed)
• Salt and sugar (to taste)

Preparation Steps

1. Fry the Fish: In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the kembung fish and fry until golden brown on both sides. Once cooked, remove from the pan and set aside.

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2. Prepare the Aromatics: While the fish is frying, slice the tomatoes, onion, shallots, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies. Set them aside for the next step.

3. Sauté the Spices: In the same pan, using the oil left from frying the fish, add the sliced onions, shallots, garlic, and chilies. Sauté until fragrant, allowing the aromatics to develop their flavors.

4. Add the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes and oyster sauce. If needed, add a splash of water to create a luscious sauce. Season with salt and sugar to taste, adjusting the sweetness and saltiness according to your preference.

5. Combine with the Fish: Gently place the fried kembung fish into the pan, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the sauce. Allow the fish to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

6. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or sugar to achieve the perfect balance.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the kembung sambal tomat to a serving plate and enjoy this delicious dish with steamed rice. Bon appétit!

Tips for Success

• For an extra kick, feel free to increase the number of bird’s eye chilies or add a splash of chili sauce.
• Pair this dish with a fresh vegetable salad to complement the rich flavors of the sambal.
• This recipe is versatile; try it with other types of fish or seafood to explore different tastes!

Happy cooking, and enjoy this wonderful dish with family and friends!