Ikan Bakar Bumbu Kemiri
A flavorful grilled fish dish from Timor-Leste, featuring fish marinated in a rich paste of candlenuts, turmeric, and other aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection. This dish showcases the use of local spices and the common practice of grilling fish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Whole fish (e.g., snapper, mackerel)(cleaned and scaled)
- 8 pcs Candlenuts(roasted)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves
- 5 medium Shallots
- 3 cm Fresh turmeric(peeled)
- 2 cm Ginger(peeled)
- 2 stalks Lemongrass stalks(white part only, finely chopped)
- 3 pcs Red chilies(deseeded, adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 large Banana leaves(warmed to soften)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the spice paste: In a food processor or mortar and pestle, combine the roasted candlenuts, garlic, shallots, fresh turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and red chilies. Process or pound until a smooth paste is formed.
- 2
In a bowl, mix the spice paste with lime juice, salt, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- 3
Clean the fish thoroughly. Make shallow scores on both sides of each fish. Rub the fish inside and out with the spice paste, ensuring it is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- 4
Prepare the banana leaves by warming them over a flame or in hot water until pliable. This prevents them from tearing when wrapping.
- 5
Place a marinated fish on a piece of banana leaf. Fold the leaf to enclose the fish securely, like a parcel. Repeat for all fish.
- 6
Grill the fish parcels over medium-high heat (or on a grill pan) for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and the banana leaves are lightly charred. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes.
- 7
Serve hot, directly from the banana leaf parcels, with steamed rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the candlenuts are roasted before grinding to enhance their flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.
- ✓If banana leaves are unavailable, parchment paper can be used as a substitute, though it won't impart the same aroma.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of shrimp paste to the spice mixture for a more pungent flavor.
- Include kaffir lime leaves and basil leaves within the banana leaf parcel for added fragrance.