Ikan Kembung Sambal Asam Recipe
Discover the vibrant flavors of Ikan Kembung Sambal Asam, a beloved Indonesian dish featuring mackerel cooked in a tangy and spicy sambal sauce. This recipe brings together tender fried fish and a rich, aromatic sambal that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Follow these steps to create a flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
For the Fish
- 1/2 kg mackerel (ikan kembung)
- 1 small turmeric root (kunyit), peeled
- Salt to taste
- 2 cloves garlic
- A pinch of coriander seeds (ketumbar)
For the Sambal Sauce
- 10 dried red chilies (cabe kriting kering)
- 2 shallots
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
- Seasoning to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce (saos tiram)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (gula merah)
- A pinch of tamarind (asam jawa), dissolved in 1/2 cup water
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by seasoning the mackerel with the ground spices for frying. To create this mixture, blend the turmeric root, garlic, and coriander seeds into a smooth paste. Rub this paste over the fish and let it sit for a short while to absorb the flavors. Once seasoned, heat oil in a pan and fry the mackerel until golden brown and crispy. Set the fried fish aside.
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Cook the Sambal: In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the sambal ingredients. First, blend the dried chilies, shallots, and garlic into a fine paste. Add this paste to the hot oil and cook until fragrant. Pour in the tamarind water and allow the mixture to come to a boil.
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Season the Sambal: Once the sambal mixture starts boiling, stir in the oyster sauce, palm sugar, and seasoning. Cook the sambal until it thickens and reduces slightly. Taste the sambal and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, sugar, or seasoning as needed.
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Combine and Serve: Gently add the fried mackerel into the sambal sauce, stirring carefully to ensure the fish is well coated with the sambal. Cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Final Touches: Once the sambal has thickened and the fish is well coated, remove from heat. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy the Ikan Kembung Sambal Asam hot.
Serve this delicious dish with steamed rice and your favorite side vegetables for a complete meal. This recipe is not only flavorful but also showcases the vibrant and bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy!