Ikan Layur Santan Ala Padang: A Delightful Padang-Style Mackerel in Coconut Milk
Ikan Layur Santan, a delectable dish hailing from the culinary traditions of Padang, offers a rich and flavorful experience. This recipe combines the tender meat of layur fish with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying. The addition of belimbing wuluh (starfruit) provides a delightful tanginess that complements the dish beautifully. Here’s how to prepare this exquisite dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Layur fish (cut into pieces) | 2 whole (cleaned, seasoned with salt and lime juice) |
| Lemongrass (serei), bruised | 2 stalks |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | A handful |
| Salam leaves (daun salam) | A few |
| Thick coconut milk (santan kental) | Adjust to taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (penyedap rasa) | To taste |
| Belimbing wuluh (starfruit), sliced | 5 pieces |
| Sugar (dietary sugar option available) | To taste (1 packet for diet) |
Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus)
| Spice | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small red chilies (cabe merah kecil) | 20 pieces (or to taste) |
| Large chilies (cabe besar) | 10 pieces |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 10 pieces |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh turmeric (kunyit) | 2 segments |
| Ginger (jahe) | 1 small piece |
| Candlenuts (kemiri), toasted | 2 pieces |
| Coriander (ketumbar) | To taste (toasted) |
| Cumin (jinten) | To taste (toasted) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Aromatics: Begin by heating a generous amount of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and salam leaves. Sauté them until they release their aromatic fragrance, about 2-3 minutes.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Add the ground spice paste (bumbu halus) to the pan, stirring continuously. Cook the mixture until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the spices, indicating that they are well-cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Season the Mixture: Once the spices are cooked, season the mixture with salt, flavor enhancer, and sugar. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for another couple of minutes.
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Add the Fish: Gently add the seasoned layur fish pieces to the pan, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the fish apart.
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Incorporate the Coconut Milk: Pour in the thick coconut milk, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to bubble for about 5 minutes. Be cautious not to let it boil too vigorously to prevent curdling.
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Add the Starfruit: Once the fish is cooked through and tender, add the sliced belimbing wuluh (starfruit) to the dish. Let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the fruit’s tartness to infuse into the sauce.
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Final Adjustments: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, sugar, or flavor enhancer to suit your palate.
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Serve: Remove the pan from heat and transfer the Ikan Layur Santan to a serving dish. Enjoy this fragrant, creamy dish hot, ideally served with steamed rice to soak up the rich sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 20-25 g |
| Total Fat | 25-30 g (primarily from coconut milk) |
| Carbohydrates | 10-15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3-5 g |
| Sodium | Varies based on added salt |
Tips for a Perfect Ikan Layur Santan
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Choosing the Fish: Look for fresh layur fish (also known as ribbon fish) at your local market. If unavailable, substitute with any firm white fish like snapper or mackerel.
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Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the number of chilies based on your heat preference. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending.
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Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, replace the fish with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair this delightful dish with steamed jasmine rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. A fresh salad with a citrusy dressing can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the curry.
By preparing Ikan Layur Santan Ala Padang, you embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the bold and diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine. This dish not only warms the heart but also brings together family and friends around the dining table. Enjoy your cooking journey!
