Gulai Ikan Kakap Merah Khas Padang

This delightful recipe for Gulai Ikan Kakap Merah, a traditional Padang dish, showcases the vibrant flavors of Indonesia. Featuring tender red snapper paired with aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for a festive gathering or a cozy family meal. Let’s dive into the rich, creamy world of Padang cuisine with this authentic recipe that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Fish and Tempe:

• 2 medium-sized Red Snapper (Ikan Kakap Merah), cut into pieces
• 2½ pieces of Tempe (fermented soybeans)

Spice Blend (Bumbu Halus):

• 10 shallots
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 4 cm ginger
• 4 cm turmeric

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons ground red chili
• 2 turmeric leaves (Daun Kunyit)
• 8 kaffir lime leaves (Daun Jeruk)
• 2 stalks lemongrass (Sereh), smashed
• 4 bay leaves (Daun Salam)
• 4 pieces of asam kandis (dried sour fruit)
• A handful of ruku-ruku leaves (or substitute with basil)
• 15 red bird’s eye chilies (Rawit Merah)
• 200 ml coconut milk (Santan Kara)
• 500 ml water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Base: In a large skillet or pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the finely ground spice blend, along with the ground red chili, turmeric leaves, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, smashed lemongrass, and asam kandis. Sauté until fragrant, allowing the spices to infuse the oil.

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2. Incorporate Coconut Milk: Gradually pour in the coconut milk, using about 200 ml of it. Dilute the remaining coconut milk with the 500 ml of water, adding most of this mixture to the pot. Stir in the ruku-ruku leaves and the red bird’s eye chilies, creating a rich and aromatic base.

3. Cook the Fish and Tempe: Gently place the pieces of red snapper and tempe into the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and tender.

4. Finish with Remaining Coconut Milk: Add the reserved thick coconut milk to the pot, stirring gently to combine. Allow it to simmer until the dish returns to a gentle boil, ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully.

5. Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat. Serve your Gulai Ikan Kakap Merah hot, accompanied by steamed rice for a wholesome meal that captures the essence of Padang cuisine.

Tips for Perfect Gulai

• Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red chili according to your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the quantity of bird’s eye chilies.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs and spices will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. If you can, source fresh lemongrass and ruku-ruku leaves for an authentic taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 350
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

This Gulai Ikan Kakap Merah not only highlights the rich culinary heritage of Padang but also invites you to savor the authentic taste of Indonesian home cooking. Enjoy this dish with family and friends, and let the vibrant flavors transport you to the heart of Indonesia!