Gurame Sambal Matah

Experience the vibrant flavors of Indonesia with this delightful Gurame Sambal Matah, a dish that showcases the deliciousness of grilled gourami fish paired with a fresh and zesty sambal. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Indonesian cuisine, where simplicity meets bold flavors.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 1 whole gourami fish (approximately 700-1000 grams)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt, to taste
• Cooking oil, for frying

For the Sambal Matah:

• 3 shallots, thinly sliced
• 5 red bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced
• 1 kaffir lime leaf, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tomato, diced
• 5 calamansi limes (4 juiced, 1 sliced)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Cooking oil, for drizzling
• 1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the gourami fish thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry, then rub it with salt and lime juice, ensuring it is well-coated. Allow the fish to marinate for about 30 minutes, letting the flavors penetrate.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Fiery Sardine Stir-Fry Delight
   • 
     Aromatic Catfish in Basil Broth: Lele Kuning Kuah Kemangi
   • 
     Crispy Gurame Fish with Sweet and Sour Sauce: A Flavorful Delight
   • 
     Savory Shredded Catfish with Basil: Lele Suwir Kemangi Recipe

2. Fry the Fish: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat enough cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated gourami. Fry the fish until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and let it drain on paper towels.

3. Prepare the Sambal Matah: While the fish is cooking, take a separate pan and heat a small amount of oil. Add the shrimp paste and fry it gently until fragrant. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced shallots, chilies, kaffir lime leaf, diced tomato, and calamansi lime juice. Drizzle in the hot oil and shrimp paste, mixing everything together. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Adjust the flavors to your liking, ensuring a balance of heat and freshness.

4. Serve: Once the gourami is perfectly fried, place it on a serving platter. Generously spoon the freshly prepared sambal matah over the fish, allowing the vibrant colors and aromas to create an inviting presentation.

5. Enjoy: Serve your Gurame Sambal Matah with steamed rice and additional lime wedges on the side, if desired. This dish is perfect for sharing and is sure to impress your family and friends with its authentic taste and simplicity.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying the fish to achieve a crispy texture.
• Feel free to adjust the level of spice in the sambal by adding more or fewer chilies according to your taste preference.
• For an extra touch, serve the dish with fresh vegetables or a simple salad to complement the flavors.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

Dive into the rich and aromatic world of Indonesian cuisine with this authentic Gurame Sambal Matah recipe. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that embodies the love of cooking and sharing food. Enjoy!