Stir-Fried Sardines with Fried Eggs à la Fe

This delightful recipe brings together the rich flavors of sardines and the comforting goodness of fried eggs, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. Perfect as a side dish to accompany steaming hot rice and crispy crackers, this meal showcases the robust taste of mackerel sardines enhanced by aromatic spices and fresh chilies.

Ingredients

• 1 large can of mackerel sardines
• 3 fried eggs (telur ceplok)
• 5 shallots, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 5 red bird’s eye chilies, diagonally sliced
• 5 curly green chilies, diagonally sliced
• 1 bay leaf, crumpled
• 1 slice of bruised galangal
• 1 slice of bruised ginger
• 1 tablespoon of palm sugar, sliced
• 100 ml of water
• Olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sardines: Open the large can of mackerel sardines and set the contents aside. Opting for a larger can ensures you have substantial fish to work with.

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2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots, garlic, crumpled bay leaf, bruised galangal, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the shallots are translucent.

3. Incorporate the Chilies: Add the sliced red and green chilies to the skillet, stirring them into the aromatic mixture. This will infuse the dish with a vibrant kick.

4. Add Liquid and Flavor: Pour in the water, followed by the sliced palm sugar. Stir the mixture well, allowing the sugar to dissolve. Taste and adjust the seasoning—there’s no need for salt since the sardines are inherently salty, but feel free to add if you prefer.

5. Combine with Sardines: Gently add all the contents of the sardine can into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to combine with the sautéed spices.

6. Incorporate the Eggs: Carefully fold in the fried eggs, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Continue to stir until the liquid reduces and the flavors meld perfectly.

7. Final Touches: Once the sauce has thickened and absorbed into the sardines and eggs, turn off the heat. Your dish is now ready to be served.

8. Serve and Enjoy: This savory stir-fried sardine dish pairs beautifully with a side of warm rice and crispy crackers. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips for Success

• Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chilies according to your heat preference. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds.

• Garnishing Ideas: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or green onions, for an added layer of freshness and visual appeal.

This simple yet flavorful recipe encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort food, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during a quiet meal at home. Happy cooking!