Sweet and Spicy Mackerel (Ikan Tengiri Pedas Manis)
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity/Details |
|---|---|
| Mackerel fish (can be cut or left whole) | 4 pieces (ikan tengiri) |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Red onions (finely chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Ground black pepper | 1/4 tsp (adjust to taste) |
| Tomato (diced) | 1 medium |
| Bay leaf | 1 leaf |
| Galangal (sliced) | 1 piece (optional) |
| Palm sugar or brown sugar | To taste |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Tomato ketchup | 3 tbsp |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | To taste |
| Bird’s eye chili (sliced) | 20 small chilies (adjust to taste) |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Water | 1/2 cup (or to taste) |
| Palm sugar or brown sugar (optional) | To taste (additional) |
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the fish: Clean the mackerel thoroughly, then rub it with a mixture of salt and ground black pepper. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to marinate. |
| 2 | Fry the fish: Heat cooking oil in a pan. Fry the mackerel, which has been seasoned, until it is half-cooked. Remove the fish from the pan and drain it. |
| 3 | Prepare the base: In the same pan, heat a bit more oil and sauté the finely chopped red onions and garlic until they start to soften. |
| 4 | Add tomatoes and chili: Add the diced tomato and sliced bird’s eye chilies into the pan. Stir-fry the mixture until the tomatoes break down. |
| 5 | Make the sauce: Add water to the pan, stirring to combine with the sautéed ingredients. Then, stir in the soy sauce, ketchup, palm sugar, salt, and optional flavor enhancer. |
| 6 | Add aromatics: Throw in the bay leaf and galangal slices, and let the sauce simmer until the ingredients are well-blended. |
| 7 | Combine with fish: Gently place the fried mackerel into the sauce and toss it well, ensuring the fish is coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes so the flavors can soak in. |
| 8 | Serve: Once the sauce is thickened and well absorbed by the fish, serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a side of steamed rice if desired. Enjoy! |
This Sweet and Spicy Mackerel dish is a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The crispy fried mackerel, combined with a flavorful sauce made from fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness from palm sugar, creates a memorable dish. Best served with a side of steamed rice, it is a true crowd-pleaser for any meal!
