Soft-Boned Grilled Milkfish (Bandeng Bakar Tulang Lunak)
Ingredients:
- 1 large milkfish (bandeng)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Marinade:
- 4 shallots
- 2 cloves garlic
- 10 bird’s eye chilies
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- ½ tablespoon grated palm sugar
- Additional sugar and salt to taste
- A dash of sweet soy sauce
- 1 small tomato
For the Chili Sauce (Sambal Terasi):
- 15 bird’s eye chilies
- 2 tomatoes
- 3 shallots
- 1 clove garlic
- Shrimp paste to taste
- Additional sugar and salt to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fish: Start by cleaning the milkfish thoroughly. Cut the fish open from the belly, then marinate it with lime juice, salt, and ground pepper. Allow the fish to sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
-
Make the Marinade: While the fish is marinating, blend the marinade ingredients—shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, kaffir lime leaves, and grated palm sugar—into a smooth paste. Once ready, coat the fish evenly with this marinade, ensuring every part is covered.
-
Presto Cooking: Place the marinated fish in a pressure cooker and cook for approximately 15 minutes. This step helps to ensure the fish is tender and flavorful.
-
Grilling the Fish: After cooking, it’s time to grill the fish. Preheat a grill or a frying pan lined with banana leaves (if available). The banana leaves not only add a delightful aroma but also make flipping the fish easier. Grill the fish until it’s cooked through and has a nice char, ensuring both sides are evenly cooked.
-
Prepare the Chili Sauce: For the sambal terasi, blend the chilies, tomatoes, shallots, and garlic until smooth. Sauté this mixture in a bit of oil, adding shrimp paste, sugar, and salt to taste. Cook until fragrant and slightly thickened.
-
Serve: Present your grilled milkfish alongside fresh basil leaves and steaming hot rice. The combination of flavors and textures will create a truly delightful dining experience.
Enjoy!
This dish not only highlights the tender, soft-boned milkfish but also showcases the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
