Lempah Kuning Ikan Kakap: A Traditional Bangka Delight
Dive into the vibrant and aromatic world of Indonesian cuisine with Lempah Kuning Ikan Kakap, a flavorful yellow snapper stew from the Bangka region. This dish features tender chunks of snapper simmered in a rich, spicy broth infused with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. Ideal for those who love a combination of bold flavors and hearty textures, this recipe is perfect for serving with steaming white rice and a side of sambal.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium red snapper (ikan kakap merah) (or substitute with another fish of your choice)
- 1.5 liters water (adjust quantity to ensure a thick broth)
- Tamarind water (as needed)
- Vegetables (e.g., white cabbage, green cabbage, cucumber; adjust according to preference)
For the Spice Paste:
- 8 dried red chilies (cabe keriting)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 10 shallots
- 2 pieces of galangal (laos)
- 2 pieces of turmeric (kunyit)
- Shrimp paste (terasi) (preferably Lombok brand)
- Homemade bouillon powder (as needed)
- Salt (to taste)
- Palm sugar (to taste)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Snapper:
Begin by cleaning the red snapper thoroughly. Remove any scales, guts, and bones, then cut the fish into manageable pieces. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
Wash and chop the vegetables. For this recipe, you can use a combination of white cabbage, green cabbage, and cucumber, or any other vegetables you prefer. -
Make the Spice Paste:
In a blender or food processor, combine the dried red chilies, garlic, shallots, galangal, turmeric, and shrimp paste. Blend into a smooth paste. -
Cook the Broth:
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the spice paste and stir well. Let it cook for a few minutes to release the flavors. -
Season the Broth:
Add tamarind water, salt, palm sugar, and homemade bouillon powder to the pot. Adjust the seasoning to taste. -
Simmer the Fish:
Gently place the fish pieces into the pot. Reduce the heat and allow the stew to simmer until the fish is cooked through. -
Add Vegetables:
If you prefer your vegetables to be slightly crisp and maintain their nutrients, turn off the heat before adding them. For softer vegetables, add them to the pot while the fish is still cooking and let it simmer briefly. -
Serve:
Serve the Lempah Kuning hot with steamed rice and your choice of sambal, such as sambal terasi or sambal kecap.
Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful stew, rich with the essence of traditional Indonesian spices and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for a comforting meal and sure to delight anyone who loves vibrant, savory dishes.
Happy Cooking! 😊
