Grilled Gurame Fish (Gurame Bakar)
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 Gurame fish (approximately 500 grams)
- 6 cloves shallots
- 4 cloves garlic
- A small piece of turmeric
- 1 lime
- A pinch of coriander
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
For the Sweet Soy Sauce Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 teaspoon palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
For the Sweet Soy Sambal:
- 4 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 clove shallot, finely chopped
- 4 red/green bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped
- Tomatoes, finely chopped, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
Preparation Steps:
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Prepare the Fish: Start by cleaning the Gurame fish thoroughly. Make a few slashes on its back to help the marinade penetrate. Squeeze the juice of the lime over the fish and rub it in. Set aside for a few minutes.
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Make the Marinade: In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, blend the shallots, garlic, turmeric, coriander, and salt into a smooth paste. Rub this paste all over the fish, making sure to get it into the slashes you made earlier. Let the fish marinate for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
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Grill the Fish: Preheat your grill and brush it with a little butter or margarine to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, mix together the sweet soy sauce, palm sugar, and butter or margarine to create the glaze.
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Grill and Glaze: Place the fish on the preheated grill. Brush the fish generously with the sweet soy sauce glaze on both sides. Grill the fish until one side turns brown and crispy. Flip the fish over, brush it again with the glaze, and continue to grill until the other side is also brown and crispy. Repeat the glazing and grilling process several times, ensuring that both sides are well coated and cooked through.
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Prepare the Sambal: In a separate bowl, mix together the sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, chopped shallots, chilies, tomatoes, and ground pepper to make the sambal.
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Serve: Once the fish is fully cooked and beautifully glazed, remove it from the grill. Serve immediately with the sweet soy sambal and a side of fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this flavorful Grilled Gurame Fish alongside steamed rice and a simple vegetable salad or fresh herbs like basil, mint, and coriander for a refreshing contrast.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with traditional Indonesian side dishes such as fried tempeh, crispy shallots, and sambal terasi (shrimp paste chili sauce).
Enjoy the delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in this Indonesian classic, perfect for a family meal or a special gathering. Bon Appétit!
