Padang-style Balado Fish Recipe

Balado Fish is one of the most popular Padang dishes. It features fried fish topped with a spicy, savory, and slightly tangy red balado sambal. The combination of the fish's crispy exterior and the appetizing balado sambal makes this dish always eagerly awaited.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: For 4 people

Ingredients

A. Main Ingredients:

  • 500 grams mackerel or tilapia, cleaned

  • 1 tsp lime juice

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • Cooking oil as needed

B. Balado Sambal Ingredients:

  • 15 red curly chilies

  • 5 red bird's eye chilies (adjust to taste)

  • 8 shallots

  • 4 cloves garlic

  • 2 medium red tomatoes

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp lime juice

  • 50 ml water

  • 3 tbsp cooking oil

Equipment Needed:

  • Wok

  • Mortar and pestle/blender

  • Spatula

  • Serving plate

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

  1. Clean the fish and rub with lime juice and salt

  2. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse

  3. Heat oil in a wok and fry the fish until cooked and golden brown

  4. Remove and drain

Step 2: Making the Balado Sambal

  1. Boil chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes until wilted (±5 minutes)

  2. Grind the boiled ingredients (can use mortar and pestle or blender)

  3. Heat 3 tbsp oil and sauté the ground spices until fragrant

  4. Add salt, sugar, and water

  5. Cook until done and thickened

Step 3: Serving

  1. Arrange the fried fish on a serving plate

  2. Pour the balado sambal over it

  3. Serve warm with white rice

Tips and Notes:

  • For best results, fry the fish until completely dry to keep it crispy even when topped with sambal

  • Adjust the spiciness level by varying the amount of bird's eye chilies

  • Fish can be substituted with other types according to preference

  • Balado sambal can be stored for 2-3 days in the refrigerator

Happy cooking! This Balado Fish will surely enhance your family's appetite.

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Padang-style Balado Fish Recipe