Gulai Ikan Nila: A Delicious Indonesian Coconut Curry
Gulai ikan nila, a delightful Indonesian dish, combines tender tilapia with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, creating a comforting and flavorful experience. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ikan Nila (tilapia) | 1/2 kg |
| Coconut Milk (Santan Klapa/Kara) | To taste |
| Carrot | 1, cut into long strips |
| Spices | |
| Red Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 7 cloves |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 2 cloves |
| Coriander | To taste |
| Ginger | A small piece |
| Turmeric | A small piece |
| Candlenuts (Kemiri) | 2-3 pieces |
| Galangal (Lengkuas) | A small piece, smashed |
| Lemongrass (Serai) | 1 stalk, smashed |
| Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk) | 2-3 leaves |
| Bay Leaves (Daun Salam) | 2 leaves |
| Royco Seasoning Powder | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Chili (optional) | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the ikan nila thoroughly. Once cleaned, fry the fish until golden brown and crispy. This step enhances the texture and flavor of the fish.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the fish is frying, cut the carrot into long, thin strips. Set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the red shallots, garlic, ginger, coriander, candlenuts, turmeric, and a pinch of salt until you achieve a smooth paste.
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Sauté the Spices: After frying the fish, in the same pan, add a little oil if necessary and sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant. Add the lime leaves, bay leaves, smashed galangal, and lemongrass to the mix, allowing the aromas to blend.
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Add the Vegetables and Coconut Milk: Stir in the carrot strips and pour in the coconut milk. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle boil.
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Combine with the Fish: Once the mixture is boiling, carefully add the fried ikan nila to the pot. Season with Royco seasoning powder, salt, and sugar according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, this is the moment to add sliced chilies.
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Final Touches: Let everything simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The dish should be rich and aromatic, with the fish tender and infused with spices.
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Serve: Enjoy your Gulai Ikan Nila warm, accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite side dish. This dish is delightful and can be adjusted for spice lovers by simply adding more chilies.
Conclusion
Gulai Ikan Nila is a splendid representation of Indonesian cuisine, showcasing the balance of flavors and the richness of coconut milk. It’s perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner. Enjoy your culinary journey and happy cooking!
