Crispy Fried Snapper (Ikan Kakap Goreng Tepung)

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 1/4 kg snapper fillet
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg (for coating)
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato sauce (such as ABC brand)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Sugar (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Chili powder (to taste)
• Water (approximately 1 small cup)
• Cornstarch solution (for thickening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Snapper:
   Start by cleaning the snapper fillet thoroughly, then cut it into desired pieces. Rub the fish with the freshly squeezed lime juice and let it marinate for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.

2. Season the Fish:
   After marinating, season the snapper with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Allow it to sit for another 15 minutes to absorb the seasonings.

3. Prepare the Egg Wash:
   In a small bowl, whisk the egg until well combined. This will serve as a binding agent for the coating.

4. Combine the Coating:
   In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch together. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs for coating.

5. Coat and Fry the Fish:
   Take each seasoned snapper piece, dip it into the egg wash, and then coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat this step until all the pieces are fried.

6. Make the Sauce:
   In the same pan, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Then, add the chili sauce and tomato sauce along with approximately 1 small cup of water. Stir well to combine.

7. Season the Sauce:
   Add sugar, salt, black pepper, and, if desired, chili powder to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference for sweetness and spiciness.

8. Thicken the Sauce:
   Taste the sauce and make any necessary adjustments. Finally, incorporate the cornstarch solution to thicken the sauce, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.

9. Serve:
   Arrange the crispy snapper on a serving plate and either pour the sauce over the fish or serve it separately in a bowl. You can choose to present them together or separately, depending on your preference.

Enjoying Your Dish

This delightful dish features a balance of flavors, showcasing a tangy, spicy, and sweet sauce that complements the crispy fried snapper beautifully. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your personal taste, ensuring a truly customized dining experience. Enjoy your meal!