Indonesian lamb recipes

Spicy Mackerel Sambel Ulek: A Bold Indonesian Delight

Published
Sep 22, 2024
Reading time
2 min
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Sambel Ulek Ikan Tenggiri

This vibrant and flavorful Sambel Ulek Ikan Tenggiri brings together the rich taste of mackerel and the zest of fresh spices, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to elevate your meal or impress guests with a traditional Indonesian delicacy, this recipe is sure to delight.

Ingredients

  • Mackerel (Ikan Tenggiri): Approximately 100 grams (about 10 pieces)
  • Red Chili Peppers (Cabe Merah): 10 pieces
  • Bird’s Eye Chili (Cabe Rawit): 10 pieces
  • Shallots (Bawang Merah): 2 pieces
  • Tomatoes: 2 pieces
  • Salt: To taste
  • Lime Juice (Jeruk Nipis): To taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by boiling the red chili peppers, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and tomatoes together. When boiling, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

  2. Make the Paste: Once the ingredients are tender, remove them from the heat. Peel the skin off the tomatoes and then grind all the boiled ingredients together in a mortar (cobek) until you achieve a smooth paste. During this process, add a bit more salt and taste as you go to ensure the balance is just right.

  3. Cook the Mackerel: While preparing the sambel, fry the mackerel until it’s cooked through and slightly crispy. After frying, shred the fish into bite-sized pieces and add them to the mortar with the spice mixture.

  4. Combine Flavors: Lightly pound the fish with the sambel, ensuring the flavors meld without turning it into a paste. You want the mackerel to absorb the spices while retaining some texture.

  5. Finish with Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture to brighten the flavors. Mix gently to combine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious sambel ulek ikan tenggiri as a side dish or condiment alongside steamed rice and vegetables. It’s a delightful addition to any meal, offering a spicy kick that complements the tender mackerel beautifully.

Enjoy!

This Sambel Ulek Ikan Tenggiri showcases the heart of Indonesian cuisine, combining fresh ingredients and bold flavors in a simple yet satisfying dish that embodies love for cooking and sharing food with others.