Asam Padeh Ikan Tenggiri: A Flavorful Mackerel Dish
This vibrant and tangy Indonesian dish, Asam Padeh Ikan Tenggiri, is a delightful exploration of traditional flavors, combining the rich taste of mackerel with aromatic spices and a hint of sourness. Perfect for those who love bold, spicy dishes, this recipe is both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 8 pieces of mackerel fillet
- 3 stalks of lemongrass (crushed)
- 4 cm galangal (crushed)
- 5 shallots
- 6 red bird’s eye chilies
- 5 kaffir lime leaves
- Tamarind water
- A squeeze of lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fish:
- Clean the mackerel fillets thoroughly. Soak the fillets in a mixture of a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the fish and infuse it with a light citrus flavor.
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- While the fish is marinating, blend the shallots and red bird’s eye chilies into a smooth paste. This will form the base of your flavorful sauce.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it releases a fragrant aroma.
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Add Aromatics and Tamarind:
- Once the spice paste is aromatic, add the crushed lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves to the pan. Stir to combine. Pour in the tamarind water and a squeeze of lime juice, continuing to cook until the mixture is well blended and fragrant.
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Simmer the Fish:
- Add enough water to the pan to create a sauce. Gently place the marinated mackerel fillets into the pan. Cook on low heat until the fish is fully cooked, being careful not to stir too frequently to prevent the fish from breaking apart.
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Season and Serve:
- Season the dish with salt to taste. Once the fish is cooked and the flavors are well integrated, turn off the heat.
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Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve the Asam Padeh Ikan Tenggiri hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and can be garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
This Asam Padeh Ikan Tenggiri showcases the vibrant, tangy flavors characteristic of Indonesian cuisine, offering a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
