lautnusantara.com - Indonesia is known for its vibrant and diverse cuisine, and one of its iconic dishes is grilled fish, also known as "Ikan Bakar." Grilled fish holds a special place in Indonesian culinary traditions and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The dish typically features a whole fish, such as snapper or sea bass, marinated in a flavorful blend of sweet soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, tamarind paste, and an array of aromatic spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric.

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Here's a recipe for Indonesian-style grilled fish, known as "Ikan Bakar":

Ingredients:

• 2 whole fish (such as snapper or tilapia), cleaned and scaled
• 4 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Banana leaves or aluminum foil (for grilling)
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Sambal (Indonesian chili sauce), for serving (optional)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the sweet soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil to make a marinade.
2. Make several diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish, ensuring they are deep enough to allow the marinade to penetrate. Place the fish in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the fish, making sure it coats the fish inside and out. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
4. Meanwhile, prepare your grill for medium-high heat. If using banana leaves, lightly char them over an open flame to make them pliable and impart a smoky flavor. If using aluminum foil, cut it into large sheets to wrap the fish.
5. Once the fish has marinated, remove it from the marinade and place it on the prepared banana leaves or aluminum foil. Wrap the fish securely, ensuring it is fully covered.
6. Place the wrapped fish on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the fish. The fish is cooked when it flakes easily and is opaque in the center.
7. Carefully unwrap the fish and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
8. Serve the Indonesian grilled fish hot, accompanied by lime wedges and sambal for extra flavor and heat. It pairs well with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious Indonesian-style grilled fish, packed with aromatic flavors!

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