Nyonya Grilled Sambal Fish (Grilled Fish in Peranakan/Nyonya Spices)

Nyonya Sambal Grilled Fish

During our recent trip to Melaka another dish we enjoyed very much was the Nyonya Grilled Sambal Fish (that’s Grilled Fish in Peranakan/Nyonya spices).  I have been thinking about what sort of spices could have gone into the dish that made it so delicious.

For one, it has to be grilled on a banana leaf, but if it is not available then tin foil will also do the trick, but the banana leaf adds a very nice flavor to the fish.

Woke up early this morning and made my way to the wet market.  This is the best time to get the freshest catch.  Picked up a medium sized Barramundi and had the fish monger fillet it, discarding the skin.  Next I picked up the  rest of the ingredients.

Got back home and headed straight for the kitchen, rolled up my sleeves and made this wonderful grilled fish.  It took a little time to prepare but, believe me, it was worth all the effort I had put into it.

INGREDIENTS

1 barramundi fillet (or sea bass)

Ingredients for the paste

3 fresh red chilies (sliced, seeds removed)
1 thumb sized turmeric
1 tablespoon roasted belacan (shrimp paste)
6 shallots (peeled and sliced)
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 stalk lemon grass (sliced, the white part only)
2 tablespoons oil

METHOD

• Blend the sliced chilies, shallots, sliced lemon grass and roasted belachan with a little water till it forms a smooth paste
• Heat the oil in a wok and stir fry the blended ingredients, adding the fish sauce, lime juice, salt and sugar to taste
• Stir occasionally and dish out when the oil separates from the paste and set it aside

Stir fry the paste for the grilled fish

• To grill the fish, lay aside a large sheet of banana leaf and grease it with a little oil
• Spread some of the blended paste on the banana leaf and place the fish on the top of it

Spread the paste over the fish

• Spread the rest of the paste onto the fish and wrap it up, securing firmly with some toothpicks

Wrap the fish in the banana leaf and secure with toothpicks

• Heat a pan and add a little oil and place the fish parcel, cover the pan and let it cook for about 6 minutes or so

Grill the fish in a pan

• Turn the fish parcel over and continue to cook for another 6 minute

• When you see that the banana leaf is burnt and you get the aroma of the cooked spices, it is time to transfer to a dish and serve immediately while it is still hot