Saturday, December 14, 2013

Malaysian Fish Sambal

Malaysia My again? Of course. Remember, can you recall my Malaysian story (Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon)? Henceforth, tell me then. Can a Malaysian like me possibly ditch sambal aside? No way man! Impossible. My love for sambal clinging through thick and thin even when I travel until after a few days being away, I can't like wait to rush back for diving into a spicy chilli based dish (Nyonya Steamed Fish, Asam Pedas, Sambal Udang Petai & Stingray Spicy Sauce) which also must scream atop of its voice on some saltiness from belacan, some tanginess from lime juice/tamarind juice and a tiny tinge of sweetness from Gula Melaka/palm sugar (Salted Fish Bone Soup, Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas, Dried Shrimp Sambal & Sambal Sotong). All you typical Malaysians out there, I bet you must be nodding your head now? You know the feeling? The feeling on missing our Malaysian sambal no matter wherever we travel to? Of course. I know. Ask this do or die Malaysian and like she has already said, no sambal, Nava K most probably cannot function (Chilli Lime Fish, Sambal Kentang, Sambal Ikan Pari & Ikan Masak Kicap). This Malaysian Fish Sambal? A power rocker and roller. Absolutely exciting, trilling and boldly sensation on our palates. Bang! Major revelation of tastes (Malaysian Crab Curry). How do we go about making Malaysian Fish Sambal? Lather/mix fish alongside turmeric powder, rice flour and salt, followed by frying and once you have made the rocker sambal, tip fish inside, stir and dish out (Sambal Bilis Petai & Chilli Soy Fish).  

Ingredients
For the fish
2 pieces (about 200g each) Indian Mackerel/Tenggiri (or any other firm fish) 
1 tsp turmeric/kunyit powder
1/2 tbsp rice flour
A pinch of salt 
** Mix all together

For the chilli paste/sambal
10 dried red chillies (or as needed)
1/2 inch roasted belacan/shrimp paste
** ground/blend together with some water for a thick paste

Other ingredients
5 garlic - chopped/sliced thinly
1/2 inch ginger - chopped/sliced thinly
2-3 stalks spring onion - slice, then separate the white part from the green.
1 tsp palm sugar 
Lime juice - as needed
Oil as needed
Salt as needed

Method
Heat oil and fry fish till crispy and light brown in colour.
Keep Aside.
Leave about 4 tbsp of oil in the same pan.
Sauté garlic, ginger and white parts of spring onion.
Add chilli paste. 
Fry and stir over low heat till oil splits.
Season with salt and sugar.
Add fish, green parts of spring onion and lime juice.
Stir to combine all ingredients together
Remove from heat. 







17 comments:

  1. Was chatting with friend about telur ikan.that had me drooling. This one another killer. I love it

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  2. So true about Asian dishes and chillies. I can't imagine cooking without this ingredient. This is such a beautiful dish and I love the presentation.
    Happy weekend!

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  3. yummy! Best accompanied with plain rice!!

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  4. I can't think of a curry without chili :-)
    This fish looks so delicious Nava,,, You have plated it so well

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  5. I like the combinations of spices used here. Lovely....

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  6. Some veg recipes plz.. :)
    I am inviting you to enter my $50 Persunmall giveaway.
    http://www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com/2013/12/persunamll-50-christmas-giveaway.html?m=0
    Kisses
    www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com

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  7. Beautiful combination of okra and fish...looks so yum Nava.

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  8. I love all the flavors in it :) looks delicious :)

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  9. Chilly fish looks adorable, sambal paste made is very tempting as well :)

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  10. I am with you on the contribution of chilli in Asian dishes. It is such a key ingredient and this sambal sounds mind blowing. The photographs are beautiful too with the fiery red from the chilli.

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  11. Oh nice to find someone who loves chillies. We are also a chilli loving family.
    Btw fish looks super inviting & yummy.

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  12. Oh nice to find a company for a chilli eating family like us. Btw fish looks super inviting & yummy

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  13. I too am a fan of chili..i love to have fried chili with my meals... Sadly hubby doesn't share my love for it...
    The fish looks great!!

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