Kembung Acar Kuning: A Flavorful Indonesian Dish
Kembung Acar Kuning is a delightful Indonesian dish that brings together the flavors of fresh mackerel fish (ikan kembung) marinated in a tangy yellow acar sauce. This recipe combines various spices and fresh vegetables, making it a vibrant and delicious meal that can be served with steamed rice or as part of a larger feast.
Ingredients
To prepare this savory dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh mackerel (ikan kembung) | 1/2 kg |
| Whole bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 10 |
| Tomatoes, sliced | 2 |
| Spices to be blended | |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 10 |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 8 |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 4 |
| Fresh turmeric (kunyit) | 2 cm |
| Galangal (laos), smashed | 2 cm |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 2 |
| Lemongrass (serai), smashed | 1 stalk |
| Vinegar | To taste |
| Tamarind (mata asem) | 2 pieces |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (motto) | To taste |
| Powdered broth (kaldu bubuk) | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Carrots, sliced | To taste |
| Cucumbers, sliced | To taste |
| Fish frying spices | |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 3 |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 |
| Fresh turmeric (kunyit) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (motto) | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | Varies (based on added salt and seasoning) |
Instructions
The preparation of Kembung Acar Kuning involves a series of steps that meld the fish’s flavors with the rich spices and tangy elements of the acar sauce. Follow these instructions to create a dish that is sure to impress:
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the mackerel fish thoroughly under running water. Once cleaned, season the fish with salt, shallots, garlic, and turmeric. Let the fish marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the marinated fish until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Sauté the Spices: In the same pan, without cleaning it, add the blended spices (shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, galangal, bay leaves, and lemongrass). Sauté the mixture until fragrant, ensuring that the spices are well combined.
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Make the Acar Sauce: Pour in enough water to create a sauce consistency, and season with salt, flavor enhancer, powdered broth, and sugar. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil.
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Add Vegetables: Once the sauce is boiling, add the sliced carrots, cucumbers, bay leaves, and smashed lemongrass. Mix well and let it cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
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Combine with Fish: Carefully place the fried fish into the sauce, ensuring it is coated well with the flavorful mixture. Add the whole bird’s eye chilies and sliced tomatoes, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
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Final Adjustments: Add vinegar and tamarind to the dish, adjusting the tanginess to your liking. Stir the ingredients gently and allow everything to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and transfer the Kembung Acar Kuning to a serving dish. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Kembung Acar Kuning is a dish bursting with flavor, perfect for gatherings or a family meal. Serve it alongside steamed rice to soak up the delightful sauce, and enjoy the vibrant tastes of Indonesian cuisine. Happy cooking! 😊
