Simple Cooking: Indonesian Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar Sambal Kecap)

whole fish

🥗Healthier: fish fillets

💰Cheaper: canned fish

Fillets are lower in calories and canned fish is often more affordable.

sweet soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: regular soy sauce

Low-sodium options reduce salt intake.

red chilies

🥗Healthier: bell peppers

💰Cheaper: dried chili flakes

Bell peppers are milder and add sweetness.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice provides similar acidity.

Grind 2 candle nuts, 3 garlic, and 1/2 onion into a paste using a pestle and mortar.

Add 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne to the paste.

Mix in 1 teaspoon sunflower oil and 1-2 teaspoons lime juice.

Rub the paste onto the cleaned mackarel fish, adding soy sauce and salt to taste.

Clean the fish by slicing through the middle and pulling out the innards, optionally removing part of the head.

Let the fish marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Prepare sambal by dicing chili, tomato, and onion, mixing them with sweet soy sauce and lime juice, and letting it soak for 10 minutes.

Grill the fish, brushing it with leftover marinade mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens