18 Malaysian Ikan Bakar Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Ikan bakar, which directly translates to "grilled fish" in English, is a popular dish in Malaysian cuisine. This mouth-watering dish is a staple in Malaysian street food stalls and seafood restaurants, loved by locals and tourists alike. The combination of perfectly grilled fish with a tangy and spicy marinade makes this dish a must-try for any food lover. In this article, we will dive into the history of ikan bakar and provide you with a professional and well-organized recipe to recreate this flavorful dish at home.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Ginger, Onion, Garlic, Peppercorns, Kosher
Malaysian chicken noodle soup, also known as "mee kari", is a popular dish in Malaysia. It is a hearty and comforting soup made with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and egg noodles. This dish is perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather. The combination of spices and herbs in the soup will warm up your body and soothe your soul.
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Ikan Sumbat (Chile Fried Fish)
Main Ingredients: Tamarind Paste, Dried Shrimp, Garlic, Holland Chile
Ikan Sumbat is a popular dish in Malaysia, made with fried fish stuffed with a spicy mixture of chilies, shallots, and lemongrass. The fish is then fried until crispy and served with a tangy dipping sauce. This dish is bursting with flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any seafood lover.
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Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Carrot Achaar...
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Fresh Turmeric, Roasted
Achaar, or pickles, are a staple in Malaysian cuisine. This unique achaar is made with a combination of cauliflower, cabbage, and carrots, mixed with a tangy and slightly spicy sauce. It's a perfect side dish to accompany any main dish and adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.
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Kare Ikan (Fish Curry with Potatoes)
Main Ingredients: Thai Chiles, Shallots, Garlic, Fresh Turmeric, Peanut
Kare Ikan, or fish curry with potatoes, is a classic Malaysian dish that is packed with flavor. The fish is simmered in a rich and aromatic curry sauce, along with potatoes and other vegetables. This dish is usually served with steamed rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Spicy Malaysian Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar)
Main Ingredients: Fish Fillet, Shallots, Lemongrass, Candlenuts, Kaffir
Ikan Bakar, or grilled fish, is a popular street food in Malaysia. Fresh fish is marinated in a spicy sauce made with chilies, garlic, and other spices, then grilled to perfection. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that will tingle your taste buds.
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Ikan Bakar: Indonesian and Malaysian Charcoal Grilled...
Main Ingredients: Skate, Oil, Large Banana Leaves, Shallot, Lime
Ikan Bakar is a dish that is popular in both Indonesia and Malaysia. It is made by grilling fish over a charcoal fire, giving it a smoky and charred flavor. The fish is usually served with a spicy dipping sauce, making it a perfect dish for a barbecue or outdoor gathering.
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Ikan Panggang/Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish with Banana...
Main Ingredients: Fish Fillet, Red Chilies, Belacan, Shallots, Salt, Fish
Ikan Panggang, or grilled fish with banana leaves, is a dish that is popular in Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine. The fish is marinated in a fragrant spice paste, then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over an open fire. This cooking method infuses the fish with a unique smoky flavor, making it a must-try dish.
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Balinese Ikan Bakar (Balinese Grilled Fish)
Main Ingredients: Fish, Lime, Marinade, Candlenuts, Shallots, Garlic
Balinese Ikan Bakar is a dish that originates from Bali, Indonesia but is also popular in Malaysia. The fish is marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then grilled until tender and flaky. It is usually served with steamed rice and a side of sambal, a spicy chili sauce.
Satay is a popular dish in Malaysia, made with skewered and grilled meat. But the real star of this dish is the peanut sauce. Made with a combination of peanuts, spices, and other ingredients, this sauce is a perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat. It's also great as a dipping sauce for veggies or as a spread for sandwiches.
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Malaysian Beef Rendang
Main Ingredients: Shallots, Garlic, Dried Red Chile Peppers, Fresh Ginger
Beef Rendang is a famous Malaysian dish that is known for its rich and flavorful sauce. The beef is slowly cooked with a blend of spices and coconut milk, resulting in a tender and melt-in-your-mouth dish. The dish is usually served with steamed rice or roti, a type of flatbread.
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Malaysian Ripe Mango Salad
Main Ingredients: Mango, Red Onion, Fresh Coriander, Mint Leaves, Sambal
This refreshing salad is a popular side dish in Malaysia. It combines ripe mangoes with cucumber, red onion, and a tangy dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, and chili. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors makes this salad a perfect addition to any meal.
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Malaysian Satay Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh, Onion, Chicken, Salt, Sugar, Coriander
Satay Chicken is a popular dish in Malaysia, made with skewered and grilled chicken marinated in a flavorful sauce. The chicken is usually served with a side of peanut sauce and a cucumber salad. It's a perfect dish for a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner party.
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Malaysian Pork Jerky
Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Brown
Pork Jerky, also known as "bak kwa" in Malaysia, is a popular snack or appetizer. Thinly sliced pork is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled until it becomes crispy and slightly charred. It's a perfect snack to munch on while watching a movie or to serve to guests at a party.
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Malaysian Curry Puff
Main Ingredients: Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets, Red Potatoes
Curry Puffs are a popular snack in Malaysia, made with a flaky pastry filled with a spicy and savory curry filling. The filling usually consists of potatoes, chicken, and a variety of spices. These bite-sized puffs are perfect for a midday snack or as a party appetizer.
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Ikan Chuan Chuan
Main Ingredients: White Fish, Salt, Vegetable Oil, Taucheo, Dark Soy
Ikan Chuan Chuan is a popular street food in Malaysia, made with skewered and grilled fish balls. The fish balls are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then grilled until they become slightly charred. They are usually served with a side of peanut sauce and make for a delicious and satisfying snack.
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Malaysian Butternut Squash Curry
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Curry Powder, Red Chili
This vegetarian curry is a popular dish in Malaysia, made with butternut squash, coconut milk, and a variety of spices. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for vegetarians or those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meat curries.
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Spicy Potato Ikan Bilis/Anchovies
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Anchovies, Red Chilli, Green Chilli
Ikan Bilis, or anchovies, are a staple in Malaysian cuisine. This dish combines fried potatoes with ikan bilis, along with a spicy and tangy sauce. This dish is perfect as a side dish or as a topping for rice or noodles.
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Malaysian Kapitan Chicken
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Chicken Thigh Fillets, Coconut Milk, Kaffir
Kapitan Chicken is a popular Nyonya dish in Malaysia, made with chicken cooked in a spicy and sour sauce. The sauce is made with a variety of herbs and spices, giving it a unique and complex flavor. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of traditional Malaysian cuisine.
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Easy Chinese Fish Congee (Bubur Ikan)
Main Ingredients: Long Grain Rice, Chicken Broth, Bouillon, Sole
Congee, or rice porridge, is a popular breakfast dish in Malaysia. This version uses fish as the main protein and is cooked with rice, ginger, and other ingredients. It's a comforting and filling dish, perfect for a cold morning or when you're feeling under the weather.
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Kari Ikan / #Indonesian style fish curry
Main Ingredients: Mackerel, Lemon, Chilies, Ginger, Galangal, Kaffir Lime
Kari Ikan, or fish curry, is a popular dish in both Malaysia and Indonesia. The fish is cooked in a rich and flavorful curry sauce, along with vegetables and other ingredients. It's usually served with steamed rice and is a perfect dish for a family meal or dinner party.
The Origin of Malaysian Ikan Bakar
Tracing Back to Its Roots
The origins of ikan bakar can be traced back to the coastal regions of Malaysia, where fishing is a major part of the economy. In the past, fishermen would grill their catch of the day right on the beach over an open fire, using simple ingredients like tamarind, soy sauce, and chilli to add flavor to the fish. Over time, this humble grilled fish dish became a crowd favorite, and its popularity spread throughout Malaysia and even to neighboring countries like Indonesia and Singapore.
Influences from Other Cuisines
As with most dishes, ikan bakar has also been influenced by other cultures and cuisines. The use of spices and herbs in the marinade is believed to have been influenced by Indian and Chinese cuisines, which have a strong presence in Malaysia. The grilling technique itself is similar to how the Portuguese cook their seafood, which could have been brought over during their colonization of Malaysia in the 16th century.
The Perfect Recipe for Malaysian Ikan Bakar
Ingredients
To recreate the authentic flavors of ikan bakar, you will need fresh whole fish, preferably seabass or tilapia, as well as a marinade made of tamarind, soy sauce, chilli, and other spices. You can also add some lemongrass and banana leaves for extra flavor and aroma.
Method
First, clean and gut the fish, leaving the scales intact. Make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish to help the marinade penetrate better. Next, mix the marinade ingredients and rub it all over the fish, making sure to get it into the cuts. You can also stuff some marinade inside the fish for more flavor. Wrap the fish in banana leaves and grill over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through. Serve with a side of steamed rice and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite.
With this recipe, you can now recreate the flavors of Malaysian ikan bakar in the comfort of your own home. Impress your friends and family with this delicious and authentic dish, and let them experience a taste of Malaysia. Don't forget to add your own personal touch to the marinade to make it truly your own. Happy grilling!