Crispy Fried Catfish (Lele Goreng Kriuk)
Indulge in the delightful taste of Crispy Fried Catfish, known as Lele Goreng Kriuk in Indonesia, a dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional spices with the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried catfish. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also makes for a delicious main course or a wonderful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh catfish (lele) | 1 kg |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Coriander (ketumbar) | 1/2 tsp |
| Cumin (jinten) | 1/2 tsp |
| Turmeric | 3 finger lengths (about 1.5 inches) |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 2 leaves |
| Seasoning | to taste |
| Cooking oil | for frying |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start by cleaning the catfish thoroughly to remove any impurities. |
| 2 | In a blender or mortar, grind the garlic, shallots, coriander, cumin, and turmeric together until smooth. This fragrant spice paste is the heart of the dish. |
| 3 | Coat the cleaned catfish with the ground spice mixture, ensuring every piece is well covered. Add your seasoning to taste and let it marinate for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish. |
| 4 | In a deep frying pan, heat sufficient cooking oil over medium heat. You’ll want the oil hot enough to achieve a crispy texture. |
| 5 | Carefully place the marinated catfish into the hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 8-10 minutes per side. Ensure the fish is cooked through and has a delightful crunch. |
| 6 | Once done, remove the catfish from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve your crispy fried catfish hot, accompanied by sambal terasi (spicy shrimp paste) and a selection of fresh vegetables (lalapan) for a complete meal. Enjoy your culinary creation! 😊 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Tips for Perfecting Your Lele Goreng Kriuk
- Ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying. If it’s too cool, the catfish will absorb too much oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more or fewer spices according to your preference.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed rice for a balanced meal.
With this recipe for Lele Goreng Kriuk, you’re set to impress your family and friends with a unique taste of Indonesia! Happy cooking!
