Sambal Sarden: A Spicy Sardine Delight
Sambal Sarden is a tantalizing dish that showcases the rich flavors of fresh sardines, combined with a medley of spices that will awaken your taste buds. This recipe highlights the vibrant use of chilies and aromatics, offering a delightful balance of heat and depth. Let’s dive into the world of Sambal Sarden, where each bite is a celebration of bold and savory flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh sardines | 3 whole (ekor ikan sarden segar) |
| Red shallots (bawang merah) | 3-4 pieces |
| Red chili peppers (cabe merah) | 2 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit) | 3 pieces |
| Large red tomato (tomat merah) | 1 piece |
| Salt | To taste (secukupnya) |
| Sugar | To taste (secukupnya) |
| Sajiku seasoning for fried fish | To taste (bumbu racik sajiku) |
| Water | As needed (air secukupnya) |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by thoroughly cleaning the fresh sardines. Once cleaned, rub the Sajiku seasoning for fried fish all over the sardines, ensuring they are well coated. To enhance flavor absorption, marinate them in the refrigerator for a while. |
| 2 | While the fish marinates, prepare the spice mixture. Blend together the red shallots, red chili peppers, bird’s eye chili, salt, sugar, and a hint of seasoning until you achieve a smooth paste. Chop the large red tomato into small cubes and set aside. |
| 3 | Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated sardines until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and set them aside to drain excess oil. |
| 4 | In the same pan, add the blended spice mixture and sauté until fragrant. This should take just a few minutes. Next, add a small amount of water to create a sauce-like consistency, then toss in the chopped tomatoes. Stir and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary. |
| 5 | Carefully add the fried sardines back into the pan, gently mixing to ensure the fish is coated with the aromatic sambal sauce. Allow the dish to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together. |
| 6 | Once the flavors have melded, remove the pan from heat and serve your delicious Sambal Sarden hot, either on its own or accompanied by steamed rice. Enjoy the explosion of flavors that this dish brings to your table! |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Sambal Sarden is not just a meal; it’s an experience that can elevate any dining occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. The combination of crispy sardines with a fiery sambal sauce will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the flavors of this delightful dish!
