Manado-style Lemon Bianchetti

Ingredients

In this Manado-style adaptation, we infuse the Bianchetti with the vibrant flavors of Manado cuisine. The original Italian recipe is enhanced with traditional Manado spices such as lemongrass, ginger, and chili, giving it a spicy kick and a unique Indonesian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Bianchetti al limone, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) Bianchetti fish 500g (1.1 lb) Bianchetti fish
• 2 lemons, juiced and zested 2 lemons, juiced and zested
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 red chilies, sliced 2 red chilies, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced chilies, and a pinch of salt.
2. 2.
   Add the Bianchetti fish to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the bruised lemongrass stalk and sauté for a minute to release its aroma.
4. 4.
   Add the marinated Bianchetti fish to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
5. 5.
   Remove the fish from the pan and garnish with fresh cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve the Manado-style Lemon Bianchetti hot with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bianchetti fish — Make sure to clean the fish thoroughly and remove any scales or bones before marinating.
• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalk by lightly pounding it with the back of a knife to release its flavor.
• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. Grate it finely to ensure it blends well with the marinade.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra spicy kick, add more sliced chilies to the marinade.
• Serve the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an added burst of citrus flavor.
• If Bianchetti fish is not available, you can substitute it with small white fish fillets such as haddock or cod.
• Adjust the level of salt according to your taste preference.
• To make it more aromatic, sprinkle some fried shallots on top before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Manado-style Lemon Bianchetti hot with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and aroma.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy Bianchetti fish on a platter, garnish with cilantro sprigs, and serve with a bowl of steamed rice on the side. Add a pop of color by placing a few slices of fresh lemon on the platter.