Grilled Ikan Bakar with Petai Sambal
Charcoal-grilled fish served with a spicy, tangy sambal featuring petai beans, delivering a smoky and pungent Malay coastal flavor. This Asian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs whole fresh ikan kembung (mackerel), turmeric powder, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1, about 500g whole fresh ikan kembung (mackerel)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 large sheets banana leaves
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 100g, shelled petai beans (stink beans)
- 5, soaked dried red chilies
- 4, peeled shallots
- 3, peeled garlic cloves
- 1 tsp belacan (shrimp paste)
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tsp palm sugar
- to taste salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 whole fresh ikan kembung (about 500g) and pat dry. Rub 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp lime juice evenly over the fish. Set aside for 20 minutes to marinate.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the sambal by blending 5 soaked dried red chilies, 4 peeled shallots, 3 peeled garlic cloves, and 1 tsp belacan (shrimp paste) into a coarse paste.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chili paste and sauté for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and the oil separates.
- Step 4: Add 100g shelled petai beans, 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tsp palm sugar, and salt to taste. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sambal thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Wrap the marinated fish in 2 large banana leaves and secure with toothpicks.
- Step 6: Grill the wrapped fish for 10 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 7: Remove fish from grill, unwrap carefully, and serve hot with the petai sambal spooned on top or on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Ikan Bakar with Petai Sambal take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Ikan Bakar with Petai Sambal?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Ikan Bakar with Petai Sambal?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Ikan Bakar with Petai Sambal for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Ikan Bakar with Petai Sambal?
Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
