Rica Rica Mujair: A Spicy Indonesian Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this recipe for Rica Rica Mujair, a tantalizing dish featuring mujair fish simmered in a spicy and aromatic sauce. This dish perfectly balances heat with fragrant spices, creating a memorable culinary experience. Let’s dive into the steps to make this flavorful dish!
Ingredients:
- 10 medium-sized mujair fish (cleaned, scaled, and gutted)
- 8 shallots
- 5 cloves garlic
- 10 red chilies
- 15 bird’s eye chilies
- 1 piece ginger (approximately 2 inches)
- 1 piece galangal (approximately 2 inches)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 kaffir lime leaves (stems removed)
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil (for sautéing)
- Spring onions (to taste)
- Water (as needed)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fish:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the mujair fish. Remove the scales and guts, then wash the fish under cold running water. To reduce any fishy odor, rub the fish with lime juice and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Afterward, deep-fry the fish until crispy and golden brown. Set aside. -
Make the Spice Paste:
While the fish is frying, prepare the spice paste. Blend the shallots, garlic, red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies into a smooth paste. For enhanced aroma, grind the paste using a mortar and pestle if possible. Crush the ginger and galangal, and discard the stems from the kaffir lime leaves. Slice the tomatoes. -
Sauté the Spices:
In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste along with the crushed ginger, galangal, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the spices. -
Simmer the Sauce:
Add the sliced tomatoes to the pan and stir. Pour in enough water to create a sauce, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer until the tomatoes are softened and the flavors are well combined. -
Combine Fish with Sauce:
Gently add the fried mujair fish to the pan, ensuring the fish is coated with the sauce. Allow the fish to simmer in the sauce so that it absorbs the flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed. -
Finish and Serve:
Add chopped spring onions to the pan and stir to combine. The dish is now ready to be served. Enjoy the Rica Rica Mujair with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
This Rica Rica Mujair recipe brings a taste of Indonesian culinary tradition right to your table. The combination of spicy chilies and aromatic spices makes this dish a standout choice for anyone looking to explore bold and flavorful dishes. Enjoy your cooking adventure!