Coconut Milk Snapper Delight: Indonesian Kerapu Recipe

Kerapu Kuah Santan (Snapper in Coconut Milk Sauce)

Indulge in the rich flavors of Kerapu Kuah Santan, a traditional Indonesian dish featuring tender snapper cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce. Perfectly seasoned and beautifully aromatic, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Here’s how you can bring this delicious recipe to your table.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole snapper fish (kerapu)
• 1 lime (for juice)
• 7 red shallots (bawang merah)
• 5 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
• 1 stalk lemongrass (sereh)
• 3 bay leaves (daun salam)
• A thumb-sized piece of galangal (lengkuas)
• A thumb-sized piece of ginger (jahe)
• 7-8 small red chilies (cabe rawit merah)
• 1 ripe red tomato
• 2 tablespoons instant coconut milk powder (santan bubuk instan)
• Salt and sugar to taste
• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

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   • Cut the snapper into three sections each. Season with lime juice and salt. Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish pieces until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Prepare the Aromatics:

   • Slice the shallots, garlic, galangal, and ginger finely. Cut the tomato into chunks. Smash the lemongrass and set aside with the bay leaves.

3. Cook the Spice Mixture:

   • In the same pan used for frying the fish, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the sliced shallots, garlic, galangal, and ginger until fragrant and golden brown.

4. Create the Coconut Milk Sauce:

   • Add the lemongrass, bay leaves, and chopped red chilies to the pan. Continue to sauté for a minute. Stir in the instant coconut milk powder mixed with a little water to form a creamy sauce. Adjust the consistency with more water if necessary. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Stir frequently to prevent the coconut milk from curdling.

5. Combine and Simmer:

   • Gently place the fried fish pieces into the pan. Allow the fish to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce infuse into the fish.

6. Final Touches:

   • Once the sauce has thickened and the fish is well-coated and heated through, remove from heat.

7. Serve:

   • Transfer the Kerapu Kuah Santan to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy the comforting and exotic flavors of Kerapu Kuah Santan with your loved ones. This dish brings a taste of Indonesia to your dining table, making every meal a delightful experience!