Gurame Asam Manis: A Delightful Indonesian Sweet and Sour Fish Dish
Gurame Asam Manis, or Sweet and Sour Gurame, is a vibrant Indonesian dish that perfectly balances crispy fried fish with a tangy and flavorful sauce. This dish not only pleases the palate but also makes for an eye-catching presentation. The combination of fresh vegetables and zesty seasonings creates a delightful experience, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Gurame
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gurame fish (medium size) | 500 grams |
| Lime juice | From 1 lime |
| All-purpose flour | As needed (for coating) |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves, minced |
| Black pepper (ground) | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Chicken stock powder | To taste |
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Large tomatoes | 5 pieces |
| Large red chilies | 2 pieces |
| Curly red chilies | 3 pieces |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves |
| Shallots | 4 pieces |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 piece |
| Carrot (julienned) | 1 piece |
| Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Soy sauce | To taste |
| Oyster sauce | To taste |
| Granulated sugar | To taste |
| Chicken stock powder | To taste |
| Lime juice | From 1 lime |
| Cornstarch | For thickening |
Instructions
Preparing the Sweet and Sour Sauce
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Boil the Base Ingredients: Start by boiling the tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and chilies together in a pot until soft. Once cooked, remove the skins and the insides of the tomatoes, then blend all the ingredients until smooth.
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Sauté the Sauce: In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the blended mixture until fragrant. Gradually pour in some water and season with black pepper, salt, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken stock powder, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
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Add Vegetables: Once the mixture is boiling, add the julienned carrots. Allow them to cook until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
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Thicken the Sauce: When the carrots are halfway cooked, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce. Once it starts to bubble, add the sliced onion and a squeeze of lime juice. Adjust the seasoning to taste, then remove from heat.
Preparing the Crispy Gurame
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Prepare the Fish: Fillet the gurame fish and cut the flesh into small pieces. Squeeze lime juice over the fish to eliminate any fishy odor.
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Make the Wet Batter: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour with minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and chicken stock powder. Gradually add water to create a batter that’s thick enough to coat the fish.
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Marinate the Fish: Dip the fish pieces into the wet batter and let them marinate for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
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Prepare the Dry Coating: In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, ground black pepper, chicken stock powder, and a pinch of salt to create a dry coating.
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Coat the Fish: After marinating, roll the fish pieces in the dry mixture to ensure they are fully coated.
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Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the fish pieces. Start frying at a high temperature to achieve a golden crust, then reduce the heat to ensure the inside cooks through. Fry until golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve the crispy gurame hot, topped with the sweet and sour sauce, garnished with fresh lime slices or additional vegetables if desired.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Conclusion
Gurame Asam Manis is a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave your guests craving more. The contrast between the crispy fish and the vibrant, tangy sauce makes this dish a standout. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe invites everyone to gather around the table and enjoy a truly unique culinary experience. Happy cooking!
