Ikan Bawal Bumbu Kecap: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Ingredients

• 2 Black Pomfret Fish (ikan bawal laut hitam)
• 10 cloves Garlic (bawang putih), minced
• 12 Shallots (bawang merah), sliced
• 2 Tomatoes (tomat), chopped
• 1 Onion (bawang bombay), sliced
• 250 ml Sweet Soy Sauce (kecap bango)
• Salt (garam), to taste
• Seasoning (penyedap), optional
• Fresh Ginger (jahe), to taste
• Water (air), as needed
• Lime or Lemon Juice (jeruk nipis / lemon / limo), to taste
• Cooking Oil (minyak goreng), for frying

Preparation Steps

1. Clean and Marinate the Fish:
   Begin by thoroughly cleaning the black pomfret. In a bowl, marinate the fish with salt and the juice of lime or lemon. Allow it to rest for several minutes to absorb the flavors. Fry the fish in hot oil until cooked through, but not overly dry—reserve for later use.

2. Sauté Aromatics:
   In a large skillet or wok, heat a splash of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots, sautéing until fragrant. Next, incorporate the ginger, which should be crushed or cut into matchstick-sized pieces. This step is essential as it helps mitigate any fishy odor.

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3. Combine with Fish and Sauce:
   Once the aromatics are fragrant, gently add the fried fish to the skillet. Pour in the sweet soy sauce, sprinkle with salt, and add water as needed. Toss in the chopped tomatoes and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

4. Simmer for Flavor:
   Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for several minutes. This step helps the fish absorb the rich flavors of the sweet soy sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

5. Add Final Touches:
   After simmering, add the sliced onion for a fresh crunch. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for a bright contrast. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to toss in some sliced bird’s eye chilies or red curly chilies to elevate the dish’s spiciness.

6. Serve:
   Serve your Ikan Bawal Bumbu Kecap hot alongside steaming white rice. The combination of flavors will surely impress, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Enjoy!

This Ikan Bawal Bumbu Kecap recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a sensational burst of flavors that will make your mealtime truly special. Happy cooking!