Stir Fry Spicy Chayote

I still keep some chayote I that brought from kampung last weekend. It was still fresh although not kept in the refrigerator. Actually this is the advantage of this fruit; it is not perishable and can be stored longer. While thinking of an idea to cook the chayote, I remembered the dried 'baby shrimps' which I just bought from Tamu (Sabahan Traditional Open-air Market).  Indeed a great match for spicy cooking chayote. 

Dried Baby Shrimps ( Tipun in KadazanDusun)

Talking about baby shrimps, Sabah is surrounded by sea and blessed with seasonal baby shrimps flows and hence not surprising that sometime you can find it abundantly sold in the fish market or in the Tamu.   Some are sold fresh, while others will only be sold after sun-dried (dried baby shrimps are usually sold at Tamu).  Other than that most locals process it to make shrimp paste (belacan).  

Stir Fry Spicy Chayote

(Sangop-sangop miampai tipun topodos)

Ingredients:

• 1 chayote
• 1tbsp fish sauce
• 1tbsp oyster sauce
• Sugar to taste (optional)
• Sufficient water for softening chayote

Pounded ingredients:

• 1 cup dried baby shrimps
• 2 red chilies
• 4 bird eye chilies
• 2 shallots
• 1 clove garlic
• 1inc fresh turmeric

Method:

• Peel off chayote skin and halves. Slice thinly.
• Heat up oil in a wok.  Sauté pounded ingredients till fragrant and slightly crisp.
• Add in seasoning ingredients.  Stir until well combined.
• Put in chayote followed by sufficient water. Stir occasionally until the chayote are tenderize.
• Ready to serve.

Fried Fish in Black Sauce

Fish are an excellent source for health. For the most part, fish contain fewer fats than most meats. The fat contained in fish, such as linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, are considered good for the health.   It’s provided protection against heart disease and was also a great food for the brain.  That is why the American Heart Foundation recommended people to eat fish at least twice a week.   Besides, fish are also an excellent source of protein and wide variety of vitamins and minerals that gives great benefits to our body.

For today's recipe, I would like to share one of my family's favorite fish dish.  This recipe is really easy to prepare.  It's won't take you long to get the rich taste and absolutely delicious. 

Fried Fish in Black Sauce 
(Ikan putih masak sambal kicap)

Ingredients:

• 1 white fish
• 1 big onion (cut into rings)
• 1 red pepper (sliced)
• 1 egg white (beaten)
• 3 tbsp corn flour 
• Half cup of water

Pounded ingredients:

• 4 shallots 
• 2 cloves garlic 
• 3 red chilies 
• 1 stalk lemongrass

Seasoning:

• 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp tamarind juice
• Salt and sugar to taste

Method:

• Clean and make 2 slanting cuts in both sides of the fish.
• Slightly coat with salt and beaten egg white, dredge it with corn flour.
• Deep fry fish over high heat for 1 minute then lower to medium heat.  Fry for about 5 minutes or till it turns golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
• Sauté pounded ingredients by medium heat until fragrant and oil rises.
• Pour in all seasoning ingredients followed by half cup of water.  Bring to boil.
• Add in big onion and sliced red chili.  Stir to combine.
• Pour the sauce over fish. Garnish and serve hot to enjoy the crisp of the fish.