Crispy Catfish with Zesty Indonesian Sambal

Crispy Catfish with Spicy Sambal

Ingredients:

• 4 small catfish
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Marinade:
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • A small piece of turmeric root
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
• For the Sambal:
  • 2 shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small candlenut
  • 1 small tomato
  • 5 bird’s eye chilies
  • 4 red chilies
  • Salt to taste
  • Shrimp paste (terasi) to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Catfish:

   • Clean the catfish thoroughly. Rub them with lime juice and salt. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes to help reduce any fishy odor and enhance flavor.

2. Marinate the Catfish:

   • In the meantime, prepare the marinade. Blend together the garlic, turmeric root, and coriander until you have a smooth paste. Rub this marinade over the catfish, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors infuse.

3. Fry the Catfish:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the catfish until they are crispy and golden brown, making sure they are cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes per side, depending on the size of the fish.

4. Prepare the Sambal:

   • While the fish is frying, heat a small amount of oil in another pan. Add the shallots, garlic, candlenut, tomato, bird’s eye chilies, and red chilies. Fry until all ingredients are cooked and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
   • Once cooled, blend the sambal ingredients into a smooth paste. Add salt and shrimp paste to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the crispy catfish hot with the spicy sambal on the side. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy your homemade crispy catfish with this vibrant and flavorful sambal, bringing a taste of traditional Indonesian cuisine to your table!