Minced Fish Satay (Sate Lilit)

2-3 shallots

5 cloves garlic

1 oz fresh ginger

2 tbsp turmeric

1-2 stalks lemon grass

1 oz galangal (if available)

1/2 oz red chili

½ oz bird’s eye chili

3 bay leaves (kaffir leaves if available)

2 lbs minced mackerel (can substitute other kinds of fish or meat)

3 tbsp fried shallots (or onion)

5 shredded lemon leaves (remove stems)

1 tbsp palm sugar (or dark brown sugar)

1 tbsp shrimp paste

3 tbsp thick coconut milk

Blend the shallots, garlic, fresh ginger, turmeric, lemon grass, galangal, red chili, bird’s eye chili and bay leaves to make bumbu lengkap, a Balinese seasoning paste. Mix together with fish, fried shallots, lemon leaves, palm sugar, and shrimp paste. Add coconut a little at time to make a mixture that will hold together on the skewer. Shape mixture on skewers and grill until light brown and thoroughly cooked.

Sandra's Article:

Cooking and Culture in Bali

Sandra Scott travels the globe recording the top attractions at every destination.