Ikan Kembung Sambal Balado Kemangi

Ikan Kembung Sambal Balado Kemangi is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines the rich flavors of fried mackerel with a spicy sambal sauce infused with aromatic herbs. This recipe not only showcases the beauty of traditional Indonesian cooking but also highlights the fresh ingredients that make this dish truly special. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:

3 whole mackerel fish (ikan kembung)
12 shallots (bawang merah)
6 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
15 curly red chilies (cabai merah keriting)
7 orange bird’s eye chilies (cabai rawit oren)
1 ripe tomato (tomat)
Sugar (gula pasir), to taste
Salt (garam), to taste
Flavor enhancer (optional; I use Masako)
Water (secukupnya)
Fresh basil leaves (daun kemangi)
Lime leaves (daun jeruk)

Preparation Steps

1. Fry the Fish

Begin by frying the whole mackerel fish in hot oil until they are crispy and dry. This initial frying will create a deliciously textured base for your dish, enhancing the overall flavor of the sambal.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste

While the fish is frying, it’s time to prepare the sambal. In a blender, combine the curly red chilies, orange bird’s eye chilies, ripe tomato, shallots, and garlic. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. This aromatic mixture will form the heart of your sambal.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste

In a separate pan, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, pour in the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant. This step is crucial for developing the rich flavors of the sambal.

4. Add the Herbs and Seasoning

After the sambal becomes aromatic, add the fresh basil leaves and lime leaves to the pan. Season the mixture with salt, sugar, and flavor enhancer to your liking. Finally, add a splash of water to create a sauce that will envelop the fish.

5. Combine the Fish with the Sambal

Once the sambal has simmered and thickened slightly, gently add the fried mackerel into the pan. Allow the fish to simmer in the sambal for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

6. Serve and Enjoy

After the sambal has thoroughly infused the fish, your Ikan Kembung Sambal Balado Kemangi is ready to be served. Plate the dish and enjoy the vibrant flavors that come together in this traditional Indonesian recipe.

Final Thoughts

Ikan Kembung Sambal Balado Kemangi is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the love of home-cooked food. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and makes for a perfect addition to any gathering or family dinner. Enjoy this culinary journey and share it with your loved ones! 😃