Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy Sambal and Fresh Vegetables
Discover the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delectable recipe for Crispy Fried Catfish served with a spicy sambal and accompanied by a fresh assortment of vegetables. This dish combines the crispy texture of perfectly fried catfish with a flavorful, tangy sambal that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Fried Catfish:
- 1 kg catfish (cleaned and marinated with lime juice for 10 minutes)
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
For the Marinade:
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
- 700 ml water
- Salt and seasoning to taste
For the Sambal:
- 20 bird’s eye chilies
- 3 large chilies
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 shallots
- 1 packet shrimp paste
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and seasoning to taste
- Vegetable oil (for sautéing)
To Serve:
- Steamed rice
- Fried eggplant
- Fresh basil
- Fried tofu
Instructions:
Prepare the Catfish:
- Clean and Marinate: Rinse the catfish thoroughly after marinating it with lime juice for 10 minutes. This step helps to tenderize and flavor the fish.
- Prepare the Marinade: Blend the garlic, coriander seeds, and turmeric until smooth. Mix this paste with 700 ml of water, adding salt and seasoning to taste.
- Marinate the Fish: Submerge the cleaned catfish in the marinade and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse. For a more intense flavor, marinate for a longer period.
- Fry the Catfish: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan. Once hot, carefully add the catfish. Fry the fish until it is golden and crispy, making sure not to flip it too often to prevent it from breaking apart. Use tongs to flip the fish, gripping it by the head to avoid peeling off the skin.
- Drain the Fish: Remove the fish from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Prepare the Sambal:
- Sauté the Ingredients: In a small pan, heat a bit of vegetable oil over low heat. Sauté the bird’s eye chilies, large chilies, tomatoes, garlic, and shallots until they are softened and fragrant. Add the shrimp paste and continue to cook for a few more minutes.
- Grind the Sambal: Transfer the sautéed ingredients to a mortar and pestle or food processor. Add the brown sugar, salt, and seasoning to taste. Grind the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Finish the Sambal: Pour in a little of the leftover oil from frying the fish to enhance the flavor and mix well.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the crispy fried catfish alongside the spicy sambal. Complete the meal with a side of steamed rice, fried eggplant, fresh basil, and fried tofu for a satisfying and well-rounded dish.
Enjoy this flavorful and crispy catfish with sambal, and indulge in a taste of traditional Indonesian comfort food. Happy cooking!
This recipe is designed to bring the essence of Indonesian culinary tradition to your table. Enjoy experimenting with the balance of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors in this delightful dish.
