Crispy Catfish with Spicy Sambal Sauce

Sambal Lele Recipe

Sambal Lele is a popular Indonesian dish featuring crispy catfish served with a spicy sambal sauce. This recipe is not only flavorful but also budget-friendly, making it a great choice for a delicious meal without breaking the bank. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare this delightful dish.

Ingredients:

For the Catfish Marinade:

• 1/2 kg catfish (ikan lele)
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder (kunir bubuk)
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder (ketumbar bubuk)
• 1/2 tablespoon salt (garam)
• 1/2 tablespoon seasoning powder (masako)
• Water

For the Sambal Sauce:

• 4 shallots (bawang merah)
• 3 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
• 3 red chilies (cabe merah)
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit, adjust to taste)
• A small amount of shrimp paste (terasi)
• Salt
• Sugar
• Seasoning powder (masako)
• 2 small tomatoes

For Serving:

• Water spinach (kangkung)
• Bean sprouts (kecambah)
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Catfish:

   • Clean the catfish thoroughly and make shallow cuts along the body to allow the marinade to penetrate.
   • In a bowl, combine turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, and seasoning powder. Add enough water to create a marinade paste.
   • Coat the catfish with the marinade mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

2. Fry the Catfish:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Fry the marinated catfish until it is crispy and golden brown. Ensure that the catfish is cooked through and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

3. Prepare the Sambal Sauce:

   • Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and shrimp paste. Sauté until the shallots are soft and fragrant.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
   • Transfer the sautéed ingredients to a mortar and pestle (or a blender). Add salt, sugar, and seasoning powder. Blend or pound until you achieve a smooth paste.
   • Chop the tomatoes and add them to the sambal paste. Mix well.

4. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the water spinach and bean sprouts. Cook until tender but still crisp.

5. Serve:

   • Arrange the crispy catfish on a serving plate. Spoon the sambal sauce over the top.
   • Serve with the cooked water spinach and bean sprouts on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Sambal Lele, a flavorful and spicy dish that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. This meal is not only delicious but also can be made with a budget of around 20,000 IDR. Happy cooking!