Gulai Pakis Kakap Merah: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Gulai Pakis Kakap Merah is a vibrant and aromatic dish that beautifully combines the delicate flavors of red snapper (kakap merah) with the unique, earthy taste of pakis (fern). This Indonesian recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, showcasing a delightful array of fresh ingredients and spices. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this dish embodies the essence of Indonesian culinary tradition.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Snapper (Kakap Merah) | 3 fish |
| Pakis (Fern) | 1/2 bunch |
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 5 cloves |
| Turmeric (Kunyit) | A piece (about 1 inch) |
| Galangal (Lengkuas) | A piece (about 1 inch) |
| Ginger (Jahe) | A piece (about 1 inch) |
| Green Chilies (Cabe Hijau) | To taste, sliced diagonally |
| Bay Leaves (Daun Salam) | 3 leaves |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk) | 3 leaves |
| Ruku Ruku Leaves | A handful |
| Turmeric Leaf (Daun Kunyit) | 1 leaf |
| Lemongrass (Sereh) | 1 stalk |
| Tamarind (Asam Kandis) | To taste |
| Coconut Milk (Santan) | From half a coconut |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by finely grinding the shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and galangal into a smooth paste. This aromatic blend will serve as the foundation for your gulai.
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Prepare the Pakis: Rinse the pakis under cold water and cut them into manageable pieces. Set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, add the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass. Sauté briefly to release their fragrant oils.
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Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
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Incorporate the Spice Paste: Stir in the ground spice paste along with the sliced green chilies. Allow the mixture to simmer, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Cook the Pakis: Once the coconut milk is bubbling, add the prepared pakis to the pot. Cook until the pakis become tender but still vibrant in color.
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Add the Red Snapper: Gently place the cleaned red snapper into the pot. Cover and cook until the fish is fully cooked through and flaky, usually about 10-15 minutes.
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Final Touches: Adjust the seasoning with tamarind to add a touch of sourness, balancing the richness of the coconut milk.
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Serve: Once the fish is cooked and the flavors have combined perfectly, transfer the gulai to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh ruku ruku leaves for an added touch of elegance.
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Enjoy: Serve hot with steamed rice, allowing the rich, aromatic flavors of the gulai pakis kakap merah to transport your taste buds to Indonesia.
This dish is a celebration of flavors and a wonderful way to introduce a taste of Indonesia into your home kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant colors and complex flavors of Gulai Pakis Kakap Merah, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions!
