Balado Kembung with Eggplant and Pete
This delightful dish, Balado Kembung with Eggplant and Pete, showcases the bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine, combining fried mackerel fish with the unique tastes of eggplant and petai (stink bean). Perfect for those who appreciate a spicy kick, this recipe is both simple to make and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mackerel fish (kembung) | 3 pieces (cut into 2) |
| Eggplant | 1, cut into small pieces |
| Pete (stink bean) | 1 bunch |
| Red bird’s eye chili | 20 pieces |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves |
| Tomato | 1, diced |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by heating a sufficient amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
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Fry the Fish and Eggplant: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the mackerel pieces and eggplant. Fry until both are thoroughly cooked and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Quickly Fry the Pete: In the same oil, quickly fry the pete for a brief moment until just tender. Remove and set aside with the fish and eggplant.
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Make the Sambal: In a mortar and pestle or blender, coarsely grind the bird’s eye chili, shallots, and garlic. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan, and sauté the ground mixture until fragrant. Season with salt and flavor enhancer to taste, then stir in the diced tomato until softened.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the sambal is cooked, gently add the fried mackerel, eggplant, and pete to the pan. Stir carefully to coat all the ingredients evenly with the sambal, ensuring not to break the fish.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or flavor enhancer as desired.
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Serve: Transfer the dish to a serving plate and enjoy this spicy and savory Balado Kembung with steamed rice for a complete meal.
This recipe brings together the rich flavors of fried fish and the aromatic sambal, making it a fantastic dish for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Enjoy the unique taste of petai and the freshness of eggplant in every bite!
