Ikan Kembung Kecap: A Flavorful Indonesian Mackerel Delight
Embark on a culinary journey to Indonesia with this delightful recipe for Ikan Kembung Kecap, featuring succulent mackerel in a rich, sweet soy sauce. This dish is a perfect harmony of flavors, showcasing the vibrant ingredients that make Indonesian cuisine so beloved. Let’s dive into the preparation of this dish, which combines aromatic spices with the freshness of fish, resulting in a meal that is both simple to make and bursting with taste.
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering Ikan Kembung Kecap, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mackerel fish (ikan kembung) | 2 whole fish |
| Lime (jeruk nipis) | 1 fruit |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 3 shallots |
| Red curly chili (cabe merah keriting) | 3 chilies |
| Green chili (cabe hijau besar) | 3 chilies (optional) |
| Green bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit hijau) | 3 chilies |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | 1 small piece |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 2 leaves |
| Tomato | 1 whole |
| Salt (garam) | 1 tsp |
| Granulated sugar (gula pasir) | 0.5 tsp |
| Palm sugar (gula jawa) | 0.5 tbsp |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional values are approximations per serving, allowing you to enjoy this dish while being mindful of your dietary needs:
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Ikan Kembung Kecap:
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the mackerel thoroughly under running water. Once cleaned, pat them dry with a paper towel and rub the juice of the lime all over the fish to infuse flavor and eliminate any fishy smell. Set the fish aside for a moment to let the lime juice work its magic.
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Chop the Aromatics: Thinly slice the shallots and garlic, allowing their flavors to mingle beautifully. For the red curly chilies, slice them thickly to add both heat and color to the dish. Bruise the galangal and bay leaves gently to release their essential oils, and cut the tomato into eight wedges for a fresh burst of flavor.
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Prepare the Sugar: Grate the palm sugar to ensure it dissolves easily in the cooking process.
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Fry the Fish: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the mackerel in the pan and fry until golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and add the sliced red curly chilies. Sauté them for a minute, allowing their flavor to infuse the oil, then add the sliced shallots, garlic, and bruised galangal. Stir the mixture until fragrant and the shallots become translucent.
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Build the Sauce: Pour in enough water to create a sauce, about one cup. Add the bay leaves, grated palm sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and the tomato wedges to the mixture. Stir well and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Combine and Finish: Gently place the fried mackerel back into the pan, spooning the sauce over the fish. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the fish soak up the flavors of the sauce while the liquid reduces slightly.
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Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the fish is coated in the rich, sweet, and savory sauce, remove the pan from heat. Serve the Ikan Kembung Kecap warm, accompanied by steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Ikan Kembung Kecap is not just a dish; it’s an experience that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Indonesia. The balance of flavors—from the sweetness of the soy sauce to the tang of the lime and the heat from the chilies—makes this a standout dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this culinary delight and share it with family and friends for a truly memorable meal!
