Gulai Ikan Kakap: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Curry
Dive into the rich and aromatic flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this traditional Gulai Ikan Kakap recipe. This exquisite dish features tender snapper fish enveloped in a fragrant, spiced coconut curry, enriched with the fresh zest of lime and the depth of palm sugar. Perfect for a family meal or a special gathering, Gulai Ikan Kakap brings a taste of the tropics to your table.
Ingredients
- 500 grams snapper fish (ikan kakap)
- Juice of 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised (serai)
- 5 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk), stems removed
- A small piece of tamarind (asam jawa)
- 1 packet instant coconut milk (santan instan)
- Salt (garam), to taste
- Palm sugar (gula merah) and granulated sugar (gula pasir), to taste
- 1 bunch of basil leaves (kemangi)
Spice Paste:
- 5 shallots (bawang merah)
- 2 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 3 candlenuts (kemiri)
- 7 bird’s eye chilies (cabai rawit)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric (kunyit)
- A pinch of black pepper (merica)
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Rinse the snapper fish thoroughly under cold water. Rub the fish with lime juice and salt, then let it marinate for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Make the Spice Paste: Blend or grind the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, bird’s eye chilies, turmeric, and black pepper into a smooth paste.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the prepared spice paste and sauté until it releases a fragrant aroma.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and a small piece of tamarind. Pour in a glass of water and bring it to a boil.
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Season the Curry: Add salt, palm sugar, and granulated sugar to taste. For an extra kick, you can include a few whole bird’s eye chilies.
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Incorporate the Coconut Milk: Pour in the instant coconut milk, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
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Cook the Fish: Gently add the marinated snapper fish to the pan. Simmer until the fish is fully cooked and tender.
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Finish with Herbs: Just before serving, stir in the basil leaves. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Serve: Your Gulai Ikan Kakap is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice preference.
- Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- You can also substitute the snapper with other types of firm white fish if preferred.
Embrace the essence of Indonesian cooking with this flavorful Gulai Ikan Kakap, and savor the harmonious blend of spices and coconut milk in every bite. Enjoy this delicious curry as a centerpiece for your next meal!
