Crispy Catfish with Terasi Chili Sauce (Lele Kriuk Sambal Terasi)
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Catfish:
- 2 whole catfish (lemon fish), cleaned
- 100 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon chicken bouillon (Royco)
- 2 skewers
- Oil for frying
For the Terasi Chili Sauce:
- 10 red curly chilies
- 2 shallots
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet ABC shrimp paste (terasi)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Catfish:
- Clean the catfish thoroughly and squeeze some lemon juice over them. Season with salt and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
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Make the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and chicken bouillon. Gradually add water and mix until you achieve a smooth batter, making sure it’s not too runny. Add the egg and red chili powder, and mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Skewer and Coat the Catfish:
- Thread a skewer through the middle of each catfish, starting from the mouth and going through to the tail. This helps the fish maintain its shape while frying. Dip the skewered catfish into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
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Fry the Catfish:
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be enough to submerge the fish completely for even cooking. Fry the catfish until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Prepare the Terasi Chili Sauce:
- Boil the red chilies, shallots, and garlic together until they are tender and aromatic. Drain the vegetables and transfer them to a mortar and pestle (or blender). Grind or blend until smooth, adding a pinch of salt.
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Cook the Terasi Chili Sauce:
- In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the ground chili mixture for a few minutes. Add the shrimp paste (terasi) and stir until well combined and cooked through. Add a splash of water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Remove from heat.
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Serve:
- Serve the crispy catfish hot, accompanied by the fragrant terasi chili sauce. Enjoy the delightful combination of crunchy fish and spicy, savory sauce!
Notes:
- Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- The terasi chili sauce can be adjusted to your taste by varying the amount of chili or salt.
- This dish is perfect for a flavorful meal and is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys spicy and crispy dishes.
Feel free to share your own version of this recipe and let us know how it turned out! Happy cooking! 🌟
