Authentic Indonesian Ikan Bakar Recipe: Enjoy Spicy Grilled Fish at Home!

Ingredients

1 whole fish (about 1 kg), cleaned
2 lemongrasses, bruised
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
1 tablespoon sugar
2 kaffir lime leaves
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons sambal sauce
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
5 shallots
3 cloves garlic
3 red chillies
1 tomato
1 teaspoon shrimp paste

Steps and instructions

First, prepare the marinade by blending together shallots, garlic, red chillies, tomato, and shrimp paste in a food processor until smooth.
Transfer the marinade to a bowl, add tamarind paste, sugar, salt, and turmeric powder. Mix well.
Score the sides of the fish and rub the marinade all over the fish, ensuring it gets into the scored areas.
Leave the fish to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Preheat your grill. Place the fish on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, brushing occasionally with oil.
While the fish is grilling, prepare the sauce by heating oil in a pan. Add bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and sambal sauce. Stir fry for a few minutes until fragrant.
Once the fish is cooked, remove from the grill and serve with the prepared sauce.

Tools for making

Grill - You will need a grill to cook the fish. It can be a charcoal grill, gas grill, or electric grill.
Food Processor - A food processor will be used to blend the ingredients for the marinade.
Bowl - You will need a bowl to mix the marinade ingredients together.
Brush - A brush will be handy for brushing the fish with oil while grilling.
Pan - You will need a pan to heat the oil and prepare the sauce.

Recipe variations

Use different types of fish such as snapper, barramundi, or mackerel.
Experiment with different marinades, such as using soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian twist.
Add a touch of coconut milk to the marinade for a creamy flavor.
Try grilling the fish on a banana leaf for an added aroma.
Add sliced onions, bell peppers, or pineapple to the grill alongside the fish for a flavorful accompaniment.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chillies or add chopped bird's eye chillies.
For a meat-free option, substitute the fish with tofu or tempeh and adjust the grilling time accordingly.
Instead of grilling, bake the marinated fish in the oven for a different texture.
Serve the grilled fish with a side of steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing salad.

Recipe overview

Ikan Bakar, an Indonesian and Malaysian dish, is a delightful culinary experience that takes you through a medley of flavors. This recipe involves marinating a whole fish in a tangy, spicy paste and then grilling it to perfection. The dish gets its distinct flavor from an assortment of South East Asian herbs and spices. The fish is marinated in a blend of shallots, garlic, red chillies, tomato, shrimp paste, tamarind paste, turmeric, and sugar, making it a flavorful delight. The charred and smoky taste from grilling adds another dimension to the dish. The recipe also includes a spicy, aromatic sauce made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and sambal sauce that's served alongside the fish. This Ikan Bakar recipe is sure to impress your guests and transport you to the bustling street food scenes of Indonesia and Malaysia. Enjoy the dish with a bowl of steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of fish for this recipe. However, it is recommended to use a whole fish with firm flesh, such as snapper or mackerel, for the best results.
How long should I marinate the fish?
It is recommended to marinate the fish for at least 1 hour. For more intense flavors, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is ideal.
Can I cook the fish using a different method instead of grilling?
Yes, you can also cook the fish by baking it in the oven or pan-frying it. However, grilling gives the fish a smoky and charred flavor that complements the dish well.
What can I serve with Ikan Bakar?
Ikan Bakar is often served with steamed rice and a side of fresh salad or pickles. You can also serve it with sambal sauce and lime wedges for added flavor.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or fewer red chillies in the marinade or sambal sauce. You can also remove the seeds from the chillies for a milder flavor.
What is sambal sauce?
Sambal sauce is a spicy condiment commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is made from a mixture of chili peppers, shrimp paste, garlic, shallots, and other aromatic ingredients. It adds heat and flavor to many dishes, including Ikan Bakar.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill - A grill is essential for cooking the fish to perfection, giving it a smoky and charred flavor.
Food Processor - A food processor is needed to blend the ingredients for the marinade into a smooth paste.
Bowl - A bowl is required for mixing the marinade ingredients together.
Brush - A brush is useful for brushing oil onto the fish while it grills.
Pan - A pan is needed to cook the sauce for serving with the grilled fish.

Origin stories

Ikan Bakar hails from the culinary rich lands of Indonesia, where the word 'Ikan' translates to 'fish' and 'Bakar' refers to 'grilled'. Known for its fiery taste and unique preparation method, this dish is a feast for the taste buds. The fish is typically marinated with a mixture of spices, some of which are unique to the region, and then grilled over charcoal. The blend of spices used in the marinade often includes tamarind, turmeric, and galangal, lending a tangy, aromatic depth to the dish. A key facet of Ikan Bakar that sets it apart is the banana leaf that the fish is often wrapped in before grilling. This not only keeps the fish moist, but also imparts a subtle sweetness to the dish. Whether savoured by the beachside or at a bustling night market, Ikan Bakar offers a tantalizing glimpse into Indonesia's rich culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.