Gurame Asem Manis Pedas: Sweet and Spicy Sour Gouramy Fish
Introduction
Dive into the flavors of Indonesia with this delightful recipe for Gurame Asem Manis Pedas, a sweet and spicy sour Gouramy fish dish that combines the freshness of ingredients with vibrant spices. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers an aromatic experience that brings a touch of the tropics to your dining table. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a meal that will be cherished by all. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure, making a dish that beautifully balances the sourness of lime, the sweetness of sugar, and the heat of chili peppers.
Ingredients
To create this exquisite dish, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Gouramy fish | 1 medium-sized fish |
| Yellow lime (jeruk nipis kuning) | 1 |
| Carrots | 2, cut into cubes |
| All-purpose flour | To taste |
| Cornstarch | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
| Egg white | 1 |
| For the Sauce | |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Shallots | 4, finely chopped |
| Onion (bombay) | 1, sliced |
| Ripe tomatoes | 3, chopped |
| Tomato sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Boiling water | As needed |
| Red curly chili peppers | 5, sliced |
Nutritional Information
While specific nutritional values can vary based on preparation methods and portion sizes, here’s a general overview per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 320 |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to prepare your Gurame Asem Manis Pedas:
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Preparation of the Fish: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the Gouramy fish, removing the gills and fins. This step is crucial to ensure that the fish is fresh and free from any unwanted flavors. Once cleaned, cut the fish into pieces according to your preference. To enhance the flavor, marinate the fish with the juice of one yellow lime, allowing it to rest for at least one hour. This process helps to tenderize the fish and infuse it with a zesty aroma.
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Preparing the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a ratio of 3:1. This mixture will create a crispy coating for the fish. Dip each piece of marinated fish into the egg white, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it with the flour-cornstarch mixture. This double-dipping method ensures that the fish will have a lovely crunchy exterior when fried.
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Frying the Fish: Heat a sufficient amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated fish pieces to the pan, frying them until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. This process typically takes about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish. Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Preparing the Vegetables: While the fish is frying, finely slice the garlic and shallots. Coarsely chop the onion and thinly slice the red curly chili peppers. Additionally, boil the cubed carrots in salted water until they are half-cooked, about 3-4 minutes, then set them aside.
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Cooking the Sauce: In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped shallots, and sliced onions, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. Next, incorporate the chopped tomatoes and continue to cook until they soften. To bring everything together, add a splash of boiling water along with the half-cooked carrots, tomato sauce, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference, ensuring a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
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Serving the Dish: To present your Gurame Asem Manis Pedas, arrange the crispy fried fish on a serving platter. Generously pour the aromatic sauce over the fish, ensuring it is well-coated. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, allowing the flavors to meld with each bite.
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Enjoy Your Creation: Your Gurame Asem Manis Pedas is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot and watch as your guests savor each delicious mouthful, appreciating the complexity of flavors and the harmony of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
Conclusion
Gurame Asem Manis Pedas is not just a meal; it’s an experience that encapsulates the essence of Indonesian cuisine. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to impress both family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spice levels or add your favorite vegetables to make this dish your own. Happy cooking, and may your culinary creations be filled with love and joy!
