Main Course · Dinner · Asian ·

Indonesian Ikan Bakar with Chili Lime Sauce

Name: Indonesian Ikan Bakar with Chili Lime Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 4 whole fish (such as snapper or mackerel), cleaned and scored; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch piece of ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon turmeric powder; 2 teaspoons coriander powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 red chilies, sliced; 1 tablespoon palm sugar; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; Juice of 2 limes; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon tamarind paste; 1 lime, sliced; Fresh cilantro leaves

A tantalizing Indonesian grilled fish dish, infused with bold spices and served with a vibrant chili lime sauce.

4.9(610 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 19, 2025

Indonesian Ikan Bakar with Chili Lime Sauce — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Fish Marinade

For the Chili Lime Sauce

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 316 kcal
Protein: 42.5 g
Carbs: 12.9 g
Fat: 11.1 g
Fiber: 1.4 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1264 kcal
Protein: 170 g
Carbs: 51.5 g
Fat: 44.5 g
Fiber: 5.4 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
4 whole fish (such as snapper or mackerel), cleaned and scored	800	160	0	16	0
2 tablespoons olive oil	240	0	0	27	0
4 cloves garlic, minced	20	1	5	0	0.2
1 inch piece of ginger, grated	5	0	1	0	0.1
1 tablespoon turmeric powder	24	1	4	1	2
2 teaspoons coriander powder	10	0.5	2	0.5	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
4 red chilies, sliced	20	1	4	0	0.5
1 tablespoon palm sugar	60	0	16	0	0
3 tablespoons fish sauce	24	6	2	0	0
Juice of 2 limes	20	0	7	0	0.5
2 cloves garlic, minced	10	0.5	2.5	0	0.1
1 tablespoon tamarind paste	20	0	5	0	0.5
1 lime, sliced	10	0	3	0	0.5
Fresh cilantro leaves	1	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Fish

1
Mix the Marinade
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander, salt, and pepper.
2
Apply the Marinade
Rub the marinade over the entire fish, ensuring the mixture gets into the scored cuts.
3
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Tip: Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor. Do not over-marinate, as the acidic elements can start to cook it.

Preparing the Chili Lime Sauce

1
Combine the Ingredients
In a blender, combine chilies, palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and tamarind paste.
Tip: For less heat, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending.
2
Blend
Blend until smooth.
3
Adjust Seasoning
Adjust seasoning as desired.

How to Make Indonesian Ikan Bakar with Chili Lime Sauce

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Grilling the Fish
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated fish on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes on each side.
2
Simmering the Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat the chili lime sauce over low heat until slightly thickened.
3
Resting
Allow the fish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.