Indonesian fish recipes

Zesty Indonesian Pesmol Ikan Tenggiri: Flavorful Mackerel in Spicy Sauce

Published
Oct 22, 2024
Reading time
3 min
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Introduction

Pesmol Ikan Tenggiri is a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian dish made with mackerel (ikan tenggiri), which is known for its firm texture and rich taste. This dish combines a fragrant blend of spices and herbs that beautifully complement the fish, making it a delightful option for any meal. With its bold flavors and enticing aroma, Pesmol Ikan Tenggiri is sure to impress your family and friends.


Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Mackerel fish (ikan tenggiri) 1/2 kg
Spices (Bumbu Halus)
Shallots (bawang merah) 10 pieces
Garlic (bawang putih) 5 cloves
Candlenuts (kemiri) 5 pieces
Red chilies (cabe merah) 3 pieces
Turmeric (kunyit) To taste
Ginger (jahe) To taste
Ground coriander (ketumbar) 1 tsp
Salt (garam) To taste
Galangal (lengkuas, crushed) To taste
Lemongrass (sereh, crushed) To taste
Bay leaves (daun salam) 2 leaves
Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) 2 leaves
Tomato (tomat, diced) 1 piece
Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) 10 pieces
Water As needed
Seasoning (Masako) To taste
Sugar To taste

Preparation Steps

  1. Prepare the Fish:
    Begin by thoroughly cleaning the mackerel (ikan tenggiri) under running water. Once cleaned, coat the fish with salt and the juice of fresh lime, letting it marinate for approximately 15 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderize the fish.

  2. Fry the Fish:
    Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the marinated fish in the hot oil and fry until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

  3. Sauté the Spices:
    In the same pan, discard any excess oil, leaving just enough to sauté the spices. Add the ground spices (bumbu halus) and sauté until they become fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Next, add the crushed galangal, lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves, mixing well to combine the flavors.

  4. Add Tomatoes:
    Incorporate the diced tomato into the pan, stirring it into the sautéed spices. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until the tomato softens and blends into the sauce.

  5. Create the Sauce:
    Pour in enough water to create a sauce, and add the seasoning (Masako) and sugar according to your taste preferences. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

  6. Combine the Fish and Sauce:
    Carefully place the fried mackerel back into the pan, adding the whole bird’s eye chilies as well. Gently stir the fish into the sauce, ensuring it is well-coated with the fragrant spice mixture.

  7. Simmer and Final Touches:
    Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for a few minutes. This step allows the fish to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, cooking until it thickens slightly and the fish is infused with the delicious spices.

  8. Serve:
    Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and the flavors are well-balanced, transfer the Pesmol Ikan Tenggiri to a serving plate. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.


Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories Approximately 250
Protein 25 g
Carbohydrates 10 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Total Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Sodium 300 mg

Conclusion

Pesmol Ikan Tenggiri is a testament to the richness of Indonesian cuisine, showcasing the harmonious interplay of spices and fresh ingredients. The result is a dish that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Enjoy this delightful recipe and share it with your loved ones for a taste of Indonesia right at home!