Crispy Fried Catfish with Spicy Sambal Sauce

Homemade Pecel Lele Recipe

Pecel Lele, a popular Indonesian street food, features crispy fried catfish served with a spicy sambal sauce. This homemade version brings the delicious street food experience right into your kitchen. With a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, it’s sure to impress!

Ingredients:

For the Fried Catfish:

• 5 whole catfish (cleaned and scaled)

For the Sambal Sauce:

• 10 small red chilies (cabe rawit)
• 7 curly red chilies (cabe merah keriting)
• 2 small tomatoes
• 6 shallots
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 packet of terasi (shrimp paste), toasted
• Sugar (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Seasoning powder (optional, to taste)

For the Fresh Vegetables:

• 1 chayote (labu siam), peeled and cut into chunks, boiled
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced diagonally

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Catfish:

   • Clean the catfish thoroughly and remove any remaining scales. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Prepare the Sambal Sauce:

   • Heat a pan over medium heat and toast the terasi until fragrant, then set aside.
   • In the same pan, add a little oil and sauté the shallots, garlic, red chilies, and small chilies until they are soft and fragrant.
   • Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add the toasted terasi and blend until smooth.
   • Season with salt, sugar, and optional seasoning powder to taste. Adjust the flavors according to your preference.

3. Fry the Catfish:

   • Heat enough oil in a deep pan or skillet to submerge the catfish.
   • Fry the catfish in batches until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove and drain on paper towels.

4. Prepare the Fresh Vegetables:

   • Boil the chayote chunks until tender, then drain and set aside.
   • Slice the tomato and cucumber as desired.

5. Serve:

   • Arrange the fried catfish on a serving plate. Serve alongside the sambal sauce and fresh vegetables.
   • Enjoy your homemade Pecel Lele with the refreshing crunch of the vegetables and the spicy sambal for an authentic street food experience at home.

This Pecel Lele recipe is easy to make and brings the vibrant flavors of Indonesian street food right to your dining table. Serve it with a side of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!