Appetizer · Main Course · Dinner · Asian · Tropical ·

Balinese Sambal Matah with Grilled Mahi-Mahi

Name: Balinese Sambal Matah with Grilled Mahi-Mahi
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 4 mahi-mahi fillets, approx. 6 oz each; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 shallots, thinly sliced; 3 red Thai chilies, thinly sliced; 2 stalks lemongrass, finely sliced; 2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted; 1 tablespoon shrimp paste, toasted; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon salt; Fresh coriander leaves; Lime wedges

This Balinese dish combines the robust flavors of sambal matah with perfectly grilled mahi-mahi, creating an exotic experience for your taste buds.

4.2(854 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 28, 2025

Balinese Sambal Matah with Grilled Mahi-Mahi — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Grilled Mahi-Mahi

For the Sambal Matah

For the Garnishes

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 37 g
Carbs: 4.3 g
Fat: 27.1 g
Fiber: 1.3 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1640 kcal
Protein: 148 g
Carbs: 17 g
Fat: 108.5 g
Fiber: 5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
4 mahi-mahi fillets approx. 6 oz each	940	128	0	5	0
2 tablespoons lime juice	8	0	3	0	0
1 tablespoon soy sauce	11	1	1	0	0
1 tablespoon olive oil	120	0	0	14	0
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
4 shallots thinly sliced	28	1	6	0	1.6
3 red Thai chilies thinly sliced	18	0	4	0	0.7
2 stalks lemongrass finely sliced	5	0	1	0	0.4
2 kaffir lime leaves thinly sliced	2	0	0	0	0.2
2 tablespoons coconut oil melted	240	0	0	28	0
1 tablespoon shrimp paste toasted	9	1	0	0.5	0
1 tablespoon lime juice	4	0	1	0	0
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh coriander leaves	3	0	1	0	0.1
Lime wedges	3	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Mahi-Mahi

1
Combine Marinade
Combine lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2
Marinate Fish
Place mahi-mahi fillets in a shallow dish and pour marinade over the fish.
3
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Tip: Let the fish marinate longer for enhanced flavor absorption.

Preparing the Sambal Matah

1
Combine Aromatics
In a mixing bowl, combine shallots, chilies, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
Tip: Avoid touching your face after handling chili peppers.
2
Add Seasonings
Add melted coconut oil, toasted shrimp paste, lime juice, and salt.
Tip: Toast the shrimp paste under the broiler for enhanced aroma.
3
Mix and Rest
Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.

How to Make Balinese Sambal Matah with Grilled Mahi-Mahi

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Grill the Mahi-Mahi
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the fillets for 4-5 minutes on each side or until opaque and evenly charred.
2
Finish the Sambal Matah
Combine all ingredients thoroughly just before serving to maintain freshness.
3
Plate the Dish
Lay the grilled mahi-mahi on a serving platter and generously top with sambal matah.