Spicy Nila Fish with Tempoyak: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Nila Sambel Tempoyak Recipe
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | 
|---|---|
| 2 whole | Nila fish, cleaned | 
| 15 pieces | Red chilies | 
| 4 cloves | Shallots | 
| 4 cloves | Garlic | 
| 2 tablespoons | Tempoyak | 
| To taste | Sugar | 
| To taste | Salt | 
| As needed | Water | 
Instructions
- 
Prepare the Fish: Begin by frying the cleaned Nila fish until crispy. Once done, set aside to drain excess oil. 
- 
Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle, grind the red chilies, shallots, and garlic into a smooth paste, combining the flavors harmoniously. 
- 
Sauté the Spices: Heat some oil in a pan, then add the ground spice mixture. Sauté until fragrant, releasing the aromatic essence of the spices. 
- 
Incorporate Tempoyak: Add the tempoyak to the sautéed spices, mixing thoroughly. This will add a rich, tangy flavor to the dish. 
- 
Season: Sprinkle in a bit of sugar and salt to taste. This balance will enhance the overall flavor profile. 
- 
Simmer: Pour in enough water to create a sauce, then check the seasoning. Adjust as necessary to achieve the desired flavor. 
- 
Combine: Gently add the fried Nila fish into the sauce, stirring to ensure the fish is well-coated with the delicious sambel. 
- 
Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy your Nila Sambel Tempoyak—guaranteed to be absolutely delightful! 
This traditional Indonesian dish beautifully blends the richness of tempoyak with the savory flavor of fried fish, making it a memorable addition to any meal. Enjoy!


