Sambal Ikan Bilis Kacang

A protein-filled plate of wok-roasted anchovies with sambal coated peanuts.Popular Singaporean Sambal Ikan Bilis Kacang. Photo By: akakvitamin

​Fried Ikan Bilis and Peanuts

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Ingredients:

• 500 gm ikan bilis (dried anchovies), washed and drained
• 8- 10 dried chillies (adjust according to taste)
• 12 shallots, peeled
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed
• heaped ½ tspn salted shrimp paste
• vegetable oil (or olive oil, if you want to add nutrients)
• 300 gm roasted, unsalted peanuts (make sure you get unsalted peanuts, otherwise the dish will be too salty)
• 3 tbsp sugar or as needed

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Instructions:

1. Rinse ikan bilis at least 2-3 times till water runs clear. Drain the ikan bilis and spread them over several sheets of kitchen towels. Allow to sun dry for 2-3 hours.
2. Soak the chillies in hot water for about 15 minutes. Then pound in a mortar and pestle (or using a food processor).
3. Add the shallots, garlic and shrimp paste, and pound until smooth. Set aside.
4. Then heat 1 cup oil in a wok (or large non-stick pan) until almost smoking and fry the dried anchovies, in 2-3 lots, until crisp. If needed, re-heat the oil between each lot.
5. Strain off the oil from the wok, to separate anchovies from oil. Add a little fresh oil to the wok. Then fry the blended mixture for a couple of minutes until lightly coloured with the peanuts and sugar, continually stirring.
6. Add the crispy anchovies and stir to heat through. 
7. Leave to cool completely before storing in an air-tight container.

Malay Food,Nuts,Snacks,