Bawal Laut Bakar (Grilled Silver Pomfret)
Indulge in the rich flavors of Bawal Laut Bakar, a delightful grilled silver pomfret dish that brings together the freshness of the sea with the aromatic spices of Indonesia. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this recipe ensures each bite is infused with zest and warmth.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Silver Pomfret (ikan bawal laut) | 1 kg, cleaned and scored |
| Lime juice (jeruk nipis) | To taste |
| Tamarind water (air asam jawa) | 1 tsp |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | 3 tbsp |
| Oil for sautéing (minyak) | As needed |
Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 7 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves |
| Coriander seeds (ketumbar) | 2 tsp |
| Ginger (jahe) | 2 cm |
| Red curly chili (cabai merah kriting) | 4 |
| Salt (garam) | To taste |
Instructions
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Marinate the Fish: Begin by marinating the cleaned silver pomfret in lime juice for about 15 minutes. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the fish. After the time is up, rinse the fish thoroughly under clean water to remove any excess lime.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, ginger, red chilies, and salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a sufficient amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant, allowing the flavors to release, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Combine with Sauces: Once the spice paste is aromatic, pour in the tamarind water and sweet soy sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors together.
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Coat the Fish: Take the marinated silver pomfret and coat it generously with the sautéed spice mixture. For best results, let it marinate in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the fish to absorb the flavors fully.
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Grill the Fish: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated silver pomfret, brushing it with any leftover spice mixture as you cook. Grill each side until the fish is cooked through and has a delightful char, which should take around 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish.
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Serve: Once grilled to perfection, remove the fish from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed rice and fresh vegetables, to complete this wonderful meal.
Nutritional Information
While specific nutritional values can vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods, this dish is generally high in protein and offers a good amount of healthy fats from the fish. The use of fresh ingredients also ensures a rich supply of vitamins and minerals.
Enjoy your Bawal Laut Bakar with family and friends, and savor the symphony of flavors that this exquisite dish has to offer!
