Spicy Indonesian Tilapia Stew (Nila Kuah Pedas)

Nila Kuah Pedas Recipe: A Spicy Freshwater Fish Delight

Embark on a culinary adventure with Nila Kuah Pedas, a tantalizing Indonesian dish featuring fresh tilapia simmered in a spicy, aromatic broth. This recipe combines vibrant spices with tender fish to create a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. Perfect for those who love a touch of heat in their meals, this recipe is simple yet deeply satisfying. Let’s dive into the steps to prepare this delectable dish.

Ingredients:

For the Fish Marinade:

• 500 grams of fresh tilapia (ikan nila)
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Spicy Broth:

• 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk purut)
• 3 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 sprig of Thai basil (kemangi)

For the Spice Paste:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 5 shallots
• 5 red chilies
• 1 cm turmeric root (kunyit)
• 1 cm ginger (jahe)
• 2 candlenuts (kemiri)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Clean the tilapia thoroughly and pat dry.
   • Marinate the fish with 1 teaspoon of salt and the finely chopped garlic. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish.

2. Fry the Fish:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Fry the marinated fish until it is half cooked or to your desired crispness. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender, combine garlic, shallots, red chilies, turmeric, ginger, and candlenuts. Blend into a smooth paste.

4. Cook the Spicy Broth:

   • Heat a little oil in a pot over medium heat.
   • Sauté the spice paste along with the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and bruised lemongrass until fragrant.
   • Add a small amount of water and stir well.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the fried fish to the pot.
   • Season with sugar, salt, chicken bouillon powder, black pepper, and sweet soy sauce.
   • Stir gently and adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Final Touches:

   • Add the Thai basil leaves and let the broth simmer until it reaches a boil.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the Nila Kuah Pedas hot, garnished with additional Thai basil if desired. Enjoy this spicy and aromatic dish with steamed rice.

Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful Nila Kuah Pedas!