Crispy Catfish Pecak: Spicy Coconut Delight

Pecak Lele: A Delicious Indonesian Catfish Delight

Pecak Lele is a vibrant and flavorful dish from Indonesia, where crispy fried catfish is paired with a rich and spicy coconut sauce, making it a standout in any culinary repertoire. This recipe encapsulates the essence of traditional Indonesian flavors, combining aromatic spices and fresh ingredients to create a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Follow this detailed guide to recreate this delightful dish at home.

Ingredients

For the Catfish:

For the Fish Marinade:

For the Pecak Sauce:

Instructions

1. Prepare the Catfish:
   Begin by thoroughly cleaning the catfish under running water to remove any impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Make the Fish Marinade:
   In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine the garlic, black pepper, coriander, ginger, turmeric, salt, and seasoning. Grind these ingredients into a smooth paste.

3. Marinate the Catfish:
   Mix the prepared marinade with a little water to create a paste. Coat the catfish evenly with the marinade, ensuring that every piece is well covered. Allow the fish to marinate for about 15-30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

4. Fry the Catfish:
   Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the marinated catfish to the hot oil, frying them until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the size of the fish. Once cooked, transfer the catfish to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

5. Prepare the Pecak Sauce:
   In a mortar and pestle, grind the garlic, kencur, bird’s eye chilies, and red chilies into a fine paste. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

6. Season the Sauce:
   Add salt, seasoning, and palm sugar to the paste. Mix thoroughly and taste to adjust the flavor as needed.

7. Combine with Coconut Milk:
   For the coconut milk, grate fresh coconut and combine it with warm water. Squeeze the mixture to extract the thick coconut milk. If you prefer a quicker method, store-bought thick coconut milk can also be used. Incorporate this into your pecak sauce mixture, blending well.

8. Final Assembly:
   Take the crispy fried catfish and place it on a serving dish. Pour the pecak sauce generously over the fish. If desired, gently press down on the fish with the back of a spoon to help the sauce soak in, enhancing the flavors.

9. Serve:
   Serve the Pecak Lele warm, accompanied by steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables or salad to balance the rich flavors. Enjoy this traditional dish with family and friends, relishing every bite of its deliciousness!

Nutritional Information

This delectable Pecak Lele recipe not only showcases the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine but also provides a satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy feasting!