The Spearfisher’s Cookbook: Cooking Your Catch Bali-Style

Spearfishing in Bali isn’t just about the thrill of the hunt. It’s also about savoring the rewards of your adventure by turning your catch into a delicious, home-cooked meal. There’s something magical about preparing a fish you’ve caught yourself. It connects you to the ocean, the culture, and the moment in a way that no restaurant meal ever could.

If you’ve just returned from a spearfishing trip in Bali and you’re wondering how to turn that mahi-mahi or snapper into something mouthwatering, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into simple, flavorful ways to cook your catch with a Balinese twist. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Freshness Is Key

The beauty of spearfishing is that your catch is as fresh as it gets. You’re starting with the perfect ingredient, so the goal is to let the natural flavors of the fish shine. Whether you’ve snagged a mahi-mahi, trevally, or snapper, the first step is to clean the fish properly. If you’re new to this, here’s a quick guide:

1. Gut the Fish: Make a small incision along the belly and remove the guts. Rinse the cavity thoroughly with clean water.

2. Scale It (If Needed): Some fish, like snapper, may need to be scaled. Use the back of a knife or a fish scaler.

3. Fillet or Keep Whole: Decide how you want to cook it. For grilling, keeping the fish whole can enhance flavor. For sautéing or frying, fillets work best.

Now that your fish is ready, let’s talk recipes.

Recipe 1: Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Sambal Matah

Mahi-mahi is a classic catch in Bali, and grilling it with sambal matah (a fresh Balinese chili and shallot relish) is an unbeatable combo. Here’s how you do it:

Ingredients:

• 2 mahi-mahi fillets or a whole mahi-mahi

• 3 tbsp coconut oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 5 shallots, thinly sliced

• 2 red chilies, finely chopped

• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped

• 2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tsp shrimp paste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rub the fish with coconut oil, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the sambal matah.

2. In a bowl, mix shallots, chilies, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, and shrimp paste. Set aside.

3. Grill the fish over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the flesh is opaque and flaky.

4. Top the grilled fish with sambal matah and serve with steamed rice.

Recipe 2: Snapper in Balinese Spice Paste (Bumbu Bali)

Balinese bumbu is a spice paste bursting with flavor. It pairs perfectly with snapper, creating a dish that’s hearty and aromatic.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole snapper, cleaned and scored

• 5 cloves garlic

• 6 shallots

• 2 red chilies

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 2 tbsp tamarind paste

• 3 tbsp coconut oil

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend garlic, shallots, chilies, turmeric, coriander, and tamarind into a smooth paste.

2. Heat coconut oil in a pan and sauté the paste until fragrant.

3. Rub the paste all over the snapper, making sure to get it into the scored areas.

4. Wrap the fish in banana leaves (or foil) and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.

5. Serve with stir-fried vegetables or coconut rice.

Recipe 3: Trevally Coconut Curry

Trevally, known locally as kuwe, is fantastic in a rich, coconut-based curry. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 500g trevally fillets, cut into chunks

• 2 cups coconut milk

• 1 tbsp ginger, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp curry powder

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)

• Fresh basil or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

2. Add curry powder and chili powder, stirring for a minute.

3. Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Add the trevally chunks and cook gently for 8-10 minutes until the fish is tender.

5. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro and serve with jasmine rice.

Why Cooking Your Catch Matters

Preparing your own catch isn’t just about the meal. It’s about respect for the ocean and the effort it took to bring that fish to your table. Spearfishing in Bali connects you to the natural world in a way that’s deeply rewarding. By cooking your own fish, you’re closing the loop and appreciating the full journey from ocean to plate.

At Fusion Freedive and Spearfishing, we teach sustainable spearfishing techniques so you can enjoy this lifestyle responsibly. Whether you’re catching mahi-mahi, snapper, or trevally, knowing how to prepare your fish is part of the experience.

Join Us for a Spearfishing Adventure

Want to learn how to spearfish and cook your own catch? Fusion Freedive and Spearfishing offers guided trips and courses tailored to all skill levels. Explore Bali’s clear waters, master sustainable fishing practices, and enjoy the satisfaction of preparing fresh, flavorful meals with your catch. Book your trip today and bring the ocean’s bounty to your table.