Sweet and Sour Gurame: A Delightful Indonesian Classic
Experience the delicious flavors of traditional Indonesian cuisine with this Sweet and Sour Gurame recipe. Gurame, or gourami, is a popular fish choice in Indonesian kitchens due to its tender texture and mild flavor. This dish combines the crispy goodness of fried fish with a tangy and sweet sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal.

Ingredients
- 1 large gurame fish (cleaned, with lime juice and salt applied)
- 1 carrot (sliced thinly into matchsticks)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 shallots (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (sliced)
- 5 red bird’s eye chilies (sliced)
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 5 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in water)
- 150 ml water
- Salt to taste
- Sugar to taste
- Seasoning to taste (such as Sasa or other preferred brand)
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the gurame fish until it is golden brown and crispy. Remove the fish from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary. Sauté the sliced onions, shallots, garlic, and red chilies until they are fragrant and golden brown.
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Make the Sauce: Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and cook until they are tender-crisp.
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Season the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and chili sauce. Season with salt, sugar, and seasoning according to your taste preference. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
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Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in water) to the pan. Stir well and cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
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Assemble the Dish: Place the fried gurame fish on a serving platter. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the fish, making sure to cover it generously.
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Serve: Garnish with additional sliced chilies or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while the fish is still crispy and the sauce is warm.
Happy Cooking!
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Sweet and Sour Gurame that brings the taste of Indonesia to your table. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.