Sambal Goreng Patin: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Sambal Goreng Patin is a delightful Indonesian dish that perfectly marries the rich flavors of fish with a robust sambal sauce. This recipe features tender pieces of patin fish, known for its delicate texture, combined with a fragrant sambal that elevates the overall taste, making it a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 1/2 medium patin fish, cut into cubes and rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 shallots, thinly sliced
• Oil (for frying, use a generous amount)
• Salt and sugar, to taste

For the Sambal:

• 5 shallots
• 7 medium curly red chilies
• 1 medium tomato
• 1/4 teaspoon shrimp paste (terasi)
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Sambal: Begin by grinding the sambal ingredients—5 shallots, 7 curly red chilies, 1 tomato, 1/4 teaspoon shrimp paste, 1/2 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt—until smooth. This blend will serve as the flavorful base for your dish.

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2. Heat the Oil: In a medium-sized pan, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat.

3. Sauté Garlic: Add the sliced garlic to the hot oil and sauté until golden brown. Once cooked, remove and drain the garlic on paper towels.

4. Sauté Shallots: Next, add the sliced shallots to the pan and cook until fragrant. Like the garlic, set the cooked shallots aside to drain.

5. Cook the Sambal: In the same pan, add the ground sambal mixture and cook until fragrant and well-cooked. Note that the longer you cook the sambal, the more robust its flavor will become, but be careful not to let it dry out.

6. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the sautéed garlic and shallots into the sambal mixture, ensuring they are evenly incorporated.

7. Add the Fish: Gently add the cubed patin fish to the pan, followed by 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well, making sure each piece of fish is coated with the sambal.

8. Simmer: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Occasionally stir the mixture to ensure even cooking, but avoid stirring too often to prevent the fish from breaking apart.

9. Taste and Adjust: Be sure to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or sugar to suit your preference.

10. Serve: Once the fish is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully, serve your Sambal Goreng Patin hot with a side of steamed rice. This dish not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart with its comforting flavors.

Enjoy this vibrant and spicy Indonesian favorite that’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire!