Sweet and Spicy Salted Mackerel
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Asam Manis Pedas Ikan Asin Tenggiri, a beautifully balanced dish that combines the savory taste of salted mackerel with a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for serving alongside steaming white rice. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 500 grams salted mackerel (ikan asin tenggiri)
- 150 grams shallots (bawang merah)
- 5 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- Red chili peppers (cabe merah besar) – to taste
- Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit) – to taste
- Tamarind water (air asam jawa)
- Palm sugar (gula merah) – to taste
- Granulated sugar (gula pasir) – to taste
- Salt (garam) – to taste
- Water – enough to cover the fish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salted Mackerel
Begin by cutting the salted mackerel into pieces approximately the size of your finger. Soak the fish in water for about 20 minutes to reduce the saltiness. After soaking, rinse the fish thoroughly under running water. Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish until it turns golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the fish from the oil and let it drain on paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics
While the fish is frying, thinly slice the shallots, garlic, and red chilies. In a separate bowl, mix tamarind paste with water, then squeeze to extract the tamarind juice.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a pan over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the sliced shallots and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent. Once fragrant, pour in the tamarind juice and add the palm sugar along with granulated sugar to taste, stirring until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Gently place the fried salted mackerel into the pan with the aromatic mixture. Add the sliced red chilies and pour in enough water to just cover the fish. Allow the mixture to simmer, letting the flavors meld together while the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you find it lacks saltiness, feel free to sprinkle in some salt to suit your palate.
Step 6: Serve
Once the flavors are perfectly balanced and the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Transfer the sweet and spicy salted mackerel to a serving plate. This dish is best enjoyed hot, served alongside fragrant, steaming white rice.
Enjoy!
This vibrant dish not only brings a burst of flavor to your table but also showcases the wonderful fusion of sweet and savory that is a hallmark of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy your meal with family and friends for a truly delightful experience.