Betawi-Style Crispy Tilapia with Spicy Calamansi Sauce

Pecak Mujair ala Betawi: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Pecak Mujair ala Betawi is a traditional Betawi (Jakarta) dish known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. This recipe features crispy fried fish paired with a spicy, tangy sauce that’s perfect for those who love bold and flavorful dishes. Here’s how you can recreate this classic Indonesian favorite in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 10 pieces of tilapia (ikan gurame), cleaned
• 10 red chilies (cabe merah)
• 10 small red chilies (cabe rawit merah)
• 5 shallots (bawang merah)
• 10 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
• Fresh ginger (jahe), to taste
• 2 pieces of kencur (aromatic root)
• 2 calamansi limes (jeruk limo)
• 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
• Salt (garam), to taste
• Sugar (gula), to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: Clean the tilapia thoroughly and drain well. Rub the fish with salt and the juice of 1 lime. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.

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2. Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the marinated fish until crispy and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary and fry the red chilies, small red chilies, shallots, and garlic until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Blend the Spices: Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, crush or blend the fried chilies, shallots, and garlic into a coarse paste. Add the fresh ginger and kencur to the mixture and continue blending until everything is well combined.

5. Mix the Sauce: Transfer the spice paste to a bowl. Pour in some warm water and squeeze in the juice of the calamansi limes. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Mix well until you achieve a balanced flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve: Arrange the crispy fried fish on a serving platter and pour the spicy sauce over the top. Serve immediately for the best taste and enjoy the robust flavors of this Betawi classic.

This Pecak Mujair ala Betawi is perfect for a family meal or a special gathering. Its rich, aromatic sauce combined with the crispy tilapia makes for a truly memorable dish. Enjoy this delightful taste of Indonesian cuisine!