Bawal Lempah Nanas: Sweet and Spicy Snapper with Pineapple
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- Fresh White Snapper (Ikan Bawal Putih): 1 kg (approximately 4 pieces), cleaned and thinly sliced as if for frying
- Juice of 1 Lemon: for marinating the fish
For the Pineapple:
- 1 Sweet Pineapple: diced into small cubes
Ground Spice Paste:
- 3 cm Galangal (Laos)
- 2 cm Turmeric
- 1 stalk Lemongrass: bruised
- 1 tablespoon Coriander
- Bird’s Eye Chili: a handful, set aside
- 3 large Candlenuts (Kemiri)
- 5 Shallots
- 4 Cloves of Garlic
- 1 cm Tamarind: extract the juice
- Cooking Oil: as needed
Seasoning:
- 0.5 tablespoon Sugar: to balance the flavors
- 700 cc Water: for cooking
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the galangal, turmeric, bruised lemongrass, coriander, bird’s eye chili, candlenuts, shallots, and garlic. Blend or pound until you achieve a smooth paste.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In a large skillet or wok, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until fragrant, allowing the vibrant flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Add Pineapple: Once the spices are aromatic, add the diced pineapple to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes, allowing the sweetness of the pineapple to infuse with the spices.
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Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the sugar over the pineapple and spice mixture, followed by adding the bruised lemongrass and tamarind juice. Stir well to combine, allowing the ingredients to soften and integrate.
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Cook the Fish: Gently place the sliced snapper into the skillet, ensuring it’s well-coated with the flavorful mixture. Pour in the 700 cc of water, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Allow the fish to cook thoroughly, absorbing all the delightful flavors, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
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Serve: Once the fish is fully cooked and tender, carefully transfer it to a serving dish. This recipe serves four and pairs beautifully with steamed rice, allowing the sweet and spicy sauce to complement the fish perfectly.
Enjoy this deliciously fragrant Bawal Lempah Nanas, where the combination of fresh fish and sweet pineapple creates a memorable dish that embodies the essence of home-cooked love.
