Ikan Nila Bumbu Acar Kuning: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Ingredients

• For the Fish:

  • 2 whole tilapia fish (ikan nila), cleaned
  • Salt and sugar, to taste
  • Cooking oil, for frying

• For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Uleg):

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  • 5 shallots (bawang merah)
  • 2 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
  • 3 candlenuts (kemiri)
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (jahe)
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric (kunyit)
  • 10 small red chilies (cabai rawit merah), some crushed and some sliced

• Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch of Thai basil (kemangi)
  • 3 bay leaves (daun salam)
  • Water, as needed

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Begin by thoroughly cleaning the tilapia. Season it generously with salt and allow it to marinate for a few minutes. In a pan, heat cooking oil and fry the fish until it is golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the fish from the oil and set it aside on a plate.

2. Make the Spice Paste:
   In a mortar and pestle, combine the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, turmeric, and half of the red chilies. Grind the mixture until it forms a smooth paste, releasing its aromatic essence.

3. Sauté the Paste:
   Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste along with the bay leaves. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the oils begin to separate from the paste, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.

4. Build the Sauce:
   Pour in one cup of water to the skillet, and add salt, seasoning, and sugar to taste. Stir to combine, and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Allow the mixture to simmer, waiting for the liquid to reduce slightly without drying out completely.

5. Finish the Dish:
   Just before removing the skillet from the heat, add the sliced Thai basil and the fried fish to the pan. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the fish is coated with the flavorful sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or so, allowing the spices to infuse into the fish.

6. Serve:
   Turn off the heat and your Ikan Nila Bumbu Acar Kuning is ready to be served! This dish pairs wonderfully with a steaming bowl of rice and side dishes like fried tofu and tempeh, creating a delightful Indonesian feast.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Indulge in the rich flavors of Ikan Nila Bumbu Acar Kuning, a dish that encapsulates the heart and soul of Indonesian cuisine, perfect for sharing with family and friends. 🍽️✨