Tenggiri Rica Rica: A Spicy Indonesian Delight
Tenggiri Rica Rica is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia. This recipe, featuring the tender tenggiri fish, is infused with aromatic spices and a delightful kick of heat, making it a favorite among spice lovers. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Fish
- 500 grams ikan tenggiri (Spanish mackerel), cleaned and cut into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Spice Paste (Bumbu)
- 10 shallots (bawang merah)
- 4 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
- 15 curly chilies (cabai kriting)
- 10 bird’s eye chilies (cabai rawit) – adjust according to your spice preference
- 5 large red chilies (cabai merah besar) – if unavailable, substitute with more curly chilies
- 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
- 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised (serai)
- 1 lime (jeruk nipis), juiced
- 50 ml water (air)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Begin by seasoning the ikan tenggiri with salt and pepper. If you prefer using chicken instead of fish, you can boil the chicken until cooked, season it with salt and pepper, and then fry until golden brown. Once the fish is well-seasoned, fry it in hot oil until it is fully cooked and crispy. Once done, remove the fish from the oil and set it aside to drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Spice Paste
In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the shallots, garlic, curly chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and large red chilies. Blend or pound until you achieve a smooth paste. In a hot pan, heat a little oil and sauté the spice paste until fragrant and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Once the spice paste is aromatic, add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and bruised lemongrass to the pan. Sauté for a few more minutes until the leaves release their fragrance and the spices are well-combined.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the water and the freshly squeezed lime juice, stirring to mix everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, lime juice, or even additional chilies to suit your preference.
Step 6: Serve
Once the sauce is ready and seasoned to perfection, gently add the fried fish into the pan, coating it with the rich and spicy sauce. Let it cook for a few more minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors.
Step 7: Enjoy
Serve your Tenggiri Rica Rica warm, paired with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey!
Tips for the Perfect Tenggiri Rica Rica
- Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the number of chilies according to your taste for spice. For those who love it hot, add extra bird’s eye chilies!
- Alternative Proteins: If you’d like to experiment, this recipe works beautifully with chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with white rice and a side of fresh cucumber or tomato salad to balance the heat.
Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful recipe with your loved ones. Happy cooking, mommy2s! 😍😍😍