Indonesian Ikan Bakar with Chili Lime Sauce

Name: Indonesian Ikan Bakar with Chili Lime Sauce
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
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

Grilled Fish with a Spicy Zest

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

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Fish Marinade

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

For the Chili Lime Sauce

4 red chilies, sliced

1 tablespoon palm sugar

3 tablespoons fish sauce

Juice of 2 limes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon tamarind paste

For the Garnish

1 lime, sliced

Fresh cilantro leaves

Preparation

Marinating the Fish

Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander, salt, and pepper.

Apply the Marinade

Rub the marinade over the entire fish, ensuring the mixture gets into the scored cuts.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

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

Combine the Ingredients

In a blender, combine chilies, palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and tamarind paste.

For less heat, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending.

Blend

Blend until smooth.

Adjust Seasoning

Adjust seasoning as desired.

Cooking Process

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.

Simmering the Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat the chili lime sauce over low heat until slightly thickened.

Resting

Allow the fish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Plating & Serving