Asam Pedas Ikan Nila: A Deliciously Spicy Indonesian Dish
Asam Pedas Ikan Nila is a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian dish that beautifully combines the delicate taste of Nile tilapia with a tantalizing spicy and sour broth. This recipe not only highlights the freshness of the fish but also brings out the aromatic flavors of traditional Indonesian spices, making it a perfect choice for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Nile tilapia (medium-sized) | 1 whole |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 5 pieces |
| Water | 250 ml |
| Galangal (laos, smashed) | 1 cm |
| Lemongrass (sereh, smashed) | 1 stalk |
| Bay leaf (daun salam) | 1 leaf |
| Kaffir lime leaf (daun jeruk) | 1 leaf |
| Turmeric leaf (daun kunyit) | 1 leaf |
| Salt or Royco seasoning | To taste |
| For the spice paste | |
| Red chilies | 100 grams |
| Fresh turmeric | 1 cm |
| Ginger (jahe) | 1 cm |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 2 pieces |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 4 cloves |
| Coriander (ketumbar) | ½ teaspoon |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Start by blending the red chilies, fresh turmeric, ginger, candlenuts, garlic, shallots, and coriander in a food processor or mortar until you achieve a smooth paste. This mixture will form the aromatic base of your dish.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In a pan, heat a little cooking oil over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté it until the oil separates and the mixture becomes fragrant, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
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Add Aromatics: To the sautéed paste, add the smashed lemongrass, galangal, bay leaf, kaffir lime leaf, and turmeric leaf. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
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Incorporate Water: Pour in 250 ml of water, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
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Add Fish and Chilies: Once the broth is bubbling, carefully add the whole Nile tilapia and the bird’s eye chilies. Season with salt or Royco seasoning to taste. Allow the fish to cook in the spicy broth for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is thoroughly cooked and tender.
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Serve: As the dish finishes cooking, ensure the flavors meld together. Serve the Asam Pedas Ikan Nila hot, accompanied by steamed rice to soak up the delicious broth.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Conclusion
Asam Pedas Ikan Nila is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its spicy, tangy goodness. Serve it up and enjoy the rich, hearty taste that brings a little piece of Indonesia to your table!
