Spicy Indonesian Woku Milkfish with Aromatic Herbs

Bandeng Masak Woku: A Flavorful Indonesian Dish

This delightful Indonesian dish, Bandeng Masak Woku, features the rich flavors of spiced fish cooked to perfection. With its aromatic herbs and spices, this recipe is sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 whole bandeng (milkfish), cleaned and cut into pieces
• Juice of 1 lime (or to taste)
• A handful of daun kemangi (sweet basil)
• 2 green chilies, sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• For the spice paste:
  • 8 shallots
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 piece of ginger (about 1 inch)
  • 1 piece of turmeric (about 1 inch)
  • 1 piece of galangal (crushed)
  • 2 stalks of lemongrass, crushed
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves
  • 10 bird’s eye chilies
  • Salt, to taste

Steps

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bird’s eye chilies. Blend or pound until a smooth paste forms.

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2. Sauté the Spices: In a large skillet or wok, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Water and Chilies: Pour in enough water to create a sauce and add the sliced green chilies. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Cook the Fish: Gently add the bandeng pieces to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors for about 15-20 minutes.

5. Incorporate the Vegetables: Once the fish is cooked through and the spices have infused nicely, add the daun kemangi and diced tomatoes. Stir gently for a few moments to combine.

6. Serve: Once everything is well mixed and the tomatoes have softened, remove from heat. Serve hot, and enjoy this flavorful dish with steamed rice.

Tips for a Perfect Bandeng Masak Woku

• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs and spices enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Adjusting Heat: Feel free to modify the number of chilies according to your heat preference.
• Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Enjoy your culinary journey with this authentic Indonesian recipe that beautifully showcases the vibrant flavors of traditional cooking!