Pecel Lele Recipe: A Delicious Indonesian Delicacy
Pecel lele, an exquisite dish from Indonesia, features crispy fried catfish served with a spicy sambal that ignites the taste buds. This delightful recipe combines fresh ingredients with traditional cooking techniques, ensuring every bite is a culinary experience. Serve this dish with plenty of steaming white rice for a satisfying meal that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Catfish (ikan lele) | 10 pieces |
| Red chilies (cabe merah) | 10 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 10 pieces |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 8 pieces |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 1 clove |
| Lime (jeruk limau) | 2 pieces |
| Shrimp paste (trasi abc) | 1 small packet (grilled) |
| Salt (garam) | to taste |
| Palm sugar (gula merah) | to taste |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by cleaning the catfish thoroughly. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the fish and allow it to marinate for a few moments, allowing the flavors to penetrate. |
| 2 | In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, salt, and palm sugar. Grind the mixture until it becomes a smooth paste. Once blended, add the juice of the remaining lime and mix well. |
| 3 | Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the marinated catfish to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels. |
| 4 | Place the fried catfish on a serving platter and generously spoon the spicy sambal over the top. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down on the sambal, allowing it to infuse into the fish. |
| 5 | Serve your pecel lele with a generous portion of steamed white rice. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and you’ll find yourself wanting to savor every last bite, even if it’s just with rice! Enjoy! |
Serving Suggestion
Pecel lele is best enjoyed fresh and hot, paired with a heaping bowl of white rice. The crispy texture of the catfish, combined with the vibrant flavors of the sambal, makes this dish irresistible. As you enjoy your meal, be prepared for a delightful blend of spicy and savory notes that will leave you wanting more.
Note: Adjust the spiciness of the sambal by adding more or fewer chilies according to your taste preference. Pecel lele is a celebration of flavors, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Happy cooking, and enjoy your culinary adventure with this classic Indonesian dish!
