Ikan Lele Bumbu Kuning: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Ikan Lele Bumbu Kuning, or catfish in yellow spice sauce, is a delectable dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Indonesia right to your table. With tender fish simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce, this dish pairs perfectly with steaming hot rice, making it a beloved favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

4 pieces of catfish (ikan lele)

For the Ground Spice Paste:

6 shallots (bawang merah)
4 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
2 tomatoes (tomat)
2 cm fresh turmeric (kunyit)
2 candlenuts (kemiri), toasted
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (ketumbar bubuk)

For the Crushed Seasonings:

1 stalk lemongrass (sereh)
1 segment ginger (jahe)
2 lime leaves (daun jeruk)
3 bird’s eye chilies (cabai rawit merah)
2 curly red chilies (cabai merah keriting)
1 package instant coconut milk (65 ml, kara)
To taste: sugar, salt
As needed: water, cooking oil

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Catfish:
Begin by cleaning the catfish thoroughly under running water. Once cleaned, rub the fish with salt and let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and helps to remove any fishy odor. After marinating, fry the catfish in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
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Sauté the Spice Paste:
In a pan, heat a bit of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste made from shallots, garlic, tomatoes, turmeric, candlenuts, and ground coriander. Sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant and the color deepens.
Add Aromatics:
Next, add the lemongrass, lime leaves, and sautéed spices into the pan. Incorporate some water and let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Combine and Simmer:
Gently place the fried catfish into the pan with the spice mixture. Pour in the instant coconut milk, followed by the bird’s eye chilies, curly red chilies, sugar, and salt. Stir carefully to ensure the coconut milk does not curdle, blending all the ingredients harmoniously.
Finish and Serve:
Allow the dish to simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce has penetrated the fish, enriching its taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once ready, serve the Ikan Lele Bumbu Kuning hot, alongside a steaming bowl of white rice, for an authentic Indonesian dining experience.

Enjoy Your Meal!

This delightful dish not only showcases the wonderful spices of Indonesia but also offers a comforting meal that is sure to please family and friends alike. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Ikan Lele Bumbu Kuning and the warmth it brings to your table!