Spicy Sweet Gurame Fillet: A Culinary Delight
Discover the exquisite flavors of Gurame Fillet Saus Pedas Manis, a delightful Indonesian dish that perfectly balances the tenderness of fish fillet with a spicy, sweet sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is not only visually appealing but also offers a robust combination of textures and flavors, making it an excellent choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps to create this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gurame fish fillets | 2 fish |
| Lime (juiced) | 2 limes |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground pepper | 1 packet (to taste) |
| Flour Mixture: | |
| All-purpose flour (or ready-to-use mix) | As needed for batter |
| Rice flour | 4 tablespoons |
| Egg | 1 |
| Chili powder (optional) | To taste |
| For the Sauce: | |
| Garlic, thinly sliced | 2 cloves |
| Shallots, thinly sliced | 4 cloves |
| Small onions, thinly sliced | 3 small |
| Bird’s eye chili (sliced) | 9 pieces (adjust to taste) |
| Large tomatoes, diced | 2 |
| Ground pepper | 1 packet |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Oyster sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Small bottle of chili sauce (or ketchup) | 1 |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons (dissolved in water) |
| Water | 500 ml (adjust as needed) |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Begin by filleting the Gurame fish and setting aside the fish fillets. Take the remaining bones and head of the fish, rub them thoroughly with lime juice, salt, and ground pepper. Let this marinate for a few minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Fillets
Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces or according to your preference. Squeeze lime juice over them, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and allow them to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps in tenderizing the fish.
Step 3: Fry the Fish Bones
In a skillet, heat oil over low heat and fry the marinated fish bones and head until they turn golden brown and crispy. This step will create a crispy base that adds texture to the dish. While the bones are frying, you can prepare the batter for the fillets.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter
For the batter, mix the all-purpose flour with water until you achieve a smooth, flowing consistency. If you’re using the homemade flour mix (10 tablespoons all-purpose flour combined with 4 tablespoons rice flour), make sure to add salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and combine it with the marinated fish fillets. Coat the fillets in the wet batter and then dredge them in the dry flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Step 5: Fry the Fish Fillets
In the same skillet, add more oil and heat it over medium heat. Carefully add the battered fish fillets and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the fillets from the skillet and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Sweet Sauce
In another pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the sliced garlic, shallots, and onions until they become fragrant and translucent. Next, add the sliced bird’s eye chili and sauté until they are slightly wilted.
Then, introduce the diced tomatoes into the pan and season with ground pepper, salt, and sugar to taste. Pour in the oyster sauce and chili sauce, mixing well to combine. Gradually add water while stirring, allowing the sauce to simmer and meld together.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
As the sauce reaches a gentle boil, incorporate the dissolved cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Stir continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency, then remove it from the heat.
Step 8: Assemble the Dish
On a serving platter, place the crispy fish bones and head as a base, followed by the fried fish fillets. Generously drizzle the spicy sweet sauce over the top, allowing it to cascade down the fillets. For added flavor, you can serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Gurame Fillet Saus Pedas Manis warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for a touch of color and freshness. Pair it with steamed rice or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
This dish is perfect for family gatherings, special celebrations, or whenever you crave something exciting and flavorful. Enjoy this culinary creation that beautifully showcases the richness of Indonesian cuisine!
