Ikan Kembung Acar Kuning: A Delightful Indonesian Pickled Mackerel Dish
Ikan Kembung Acar Kuning is a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian dish that beautifully combines the freshness of fish with a medley of colorful vegetables and a tangy, aromatic sauce. This recipe is perfect for those looking to explore the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine, and it makes a wonderful centerpiece for any meal. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step preparation to create this delightful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To prepare Ikan Kembung Acar Kuning, gather the following ingredients:
For the Fish:
- 3 whole mackerel fish (ikan kembung), cleaned and halved, marinated with lime juice
- 1 packet of fried fish seasoning (I recommend Racik brand)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1/2 cucumber, cut into matchsticks
- 1 small potato, cut into matchsticks
Additional Ingredients:
- 15 green bird’s eye chilies (cabai rawit hijau)
- 1 onion (Bawang Bombay), sliced
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 kaffir lime leaf (daun jeruk)
- 1 bay leaf (daun salam)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal (laos), smashed
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Flavor enhancer (optional)
For the Spice Paste:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
- 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
- 7 shallots (Bawang merah)
- 10 curly red chilies (Cabai merah keriting)
- 10 green bird’s eye chilies (Cabai rawit hijau)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the mackerel fish, ensuring to cut them in half and marinate with lime juice for a fresh flavor. Coat the fish with the fried fish seasoning and allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes. This step not only infuses the fish with flavor but also helps tenderize it.
Step 2: Fry the Fish
In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the marinated fish in the oil and fry until they turn golden brown. Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same pan, discard excess oil, leaving just enough to sauté the spice paste. Add the ground spices, sliced onion, green bird’s eye chilies, smashed galangal, kaffir lime leaf, and bay leaf. Sauté everything together until fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Water and Vegetables
Once the spices are aromatic, pour in one glass of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, add the fried fish, along with the matchstick-cut carrots and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are half tender, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Season the Dish
Now it’s time to season your dish. Add salt, sugar, ground black pepper, and flavor enhancer to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 6: Incorporate the Cucumber
Add the matchstick-cut cucumber into the mixture and continue to cook until the water reduces and all components are cooked through. This process ensures that the cucumbers remain slightly crunchy, adding texture to the dish.
Step 7: Finish with Vinegar
Once everything is perfectly cooked, turn off the heat and drizzle in the white vinegar. Gently mix to combine, allowing the vinegar to brighten the flavors of the dish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Ikan Kembung Acar Kuning is now ready to be served! This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, providing a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that are quintessentially Indonesian. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy fish, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy sauce that is sure to become a family favorite.
Nutritional Information
While specific nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients used, this dish is generally a healthy option packed with protein from the fish and plenty of vitamins from the fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Ikan Kembung Acar Kuning can be enjoyed as part of a larger meal alongside other traditional dishes, or served on its own as a flavorful highlight. Pair it with a side of jasmine rice to absorb the tangy sauce, and perhaps a refreshing salad to complete the meal.
Embrace the flavors of Indonesia with this exquisite dish, and let the taste of Ikan Kembung Acar Kuning transport you to a world of culinary delight!
