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!
Necessary technology keeps the site working. Google Analytics, Matomo, and our editorial reading counter start only after you accept analytics. Recipe pages may show limited, non-personalized ads either way.Privacy policy