Gurame Tauco: A Flavorful Indonesian Fish Dish
Gurame Tauco is a delightful Indonesian dish featuring the popular gurame (Gourami) fish, which is cooked with a rich and savory tauco sauce. This dish is infused with the perfect blend of spices, including red chilies, garlic, shallots, and the unique taste of fermented soybeans from tauco. The crispy fried fish is combined with a flavorful sauce that is slightly sweet and tangy, making it a delicious treat for any meal.
Hereβs how you can recreate this flavorful dish at home. Follow the detailed steps and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indonesia!
Ingredients
| Main Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gurame fish (whole) | 1 fish |
| Tauco (fermented soybean paste) | To taste |
| Eggs | 1 egg |
| Sajiku flour | To coat the fish |
| Red chili (rawit) | To taste |
| Shallots | 3-4 shallots |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Kencur (aromatic ginger) | 1 tsp |
| Green tomatoes (optional) | 1-2 tomatoes |
| Green chilies | 2-3 chilies |
| Kemangi (lemon basil) | A handful |
| Roasted peanuts | A handful |
| Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus) | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Red chili | 2-3 rawit chilies |
| Shallots | 2-3 shallots |
| Garlic | 3-4 cloves |
| Kencur (aromatic ginger) | 1 tsp |
| For Garnish/Final Touch | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Sugar (to balance salt) | To taste |
| Cornstarch (for thickening) | Optional |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Clean the fish: Start by thoroughly cleaning the gurame fish. Rinse it well and make a few diagonal slashes on both sides of the fish to help it cook evenly.
- Lemon treatment: Rub the fish with fresh lime juice and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This will help remove any fishy smell and add a hint of freshness to the fish.
- Rinse and drain: After 15 minutes, rinse the fish well under running water and drain it.
Step 2: Coat and Fry the Fish
4. Egg mixture: Whisk the egg in a bowl. Coat the fish with the egg mixture, ensuring itβs well-covered on both sides.
5. Flour coat: Next, coat the fish with Sajiku flour, making sure the surface is fully coated. This will give the fish a crispy texture when fried.
6. Fry the fish: Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden brown and crispy. I recommend using a deep pan or a wok for even frying. Once done, remove the fish and set it aside to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce (Tauco)
7. Roast the peanuts and kencur: In a small pan, dry roast the peanuts and kencur until fragrant. Set them aside.
8. Grind the spices: Using a mortar and pestle or blender, grind the red chilies, shallots, garlic, and kencur into a smooth spice paste (bumbu halus). If you like, you can fry the kencur in a little oil before grinding for added depth of flavor.
9. Cook the bumbu: Heat a pan with some oil and sautΓ© the spice paste until fragrant. Add tauco to the pan, followed by a splash of water. Let it cook and thicken for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thin, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
10. Taste and adjust: Because tauco tends to be quite salty, balance the flavor by adding a touch of sugar to taste. Adjust according to your preference, adding more water if needed.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Garnish
11. Add vegetables: Add the sliced green tomatoes, green chilies, and kemangi to the sauce. Cook briefly to soften the vegetables while keeping their vibrant colors.
12. Add roasted peanuts: Toss in the roasted peanuts for extra texture and flavor. Stir to combine well with the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
13. Plate the fried fish: Place the fried gurame fish on a serving plate.
14. Pour the tauco sauce: Pour the tauco sauce with the vegetables over the fried fish, allowing the flavors to meld together.
15. Garnish and serve: Serve the dish with a sprinkle of kemangi and peanuts for an extra burst of flavor. You can enjoy this dish with steamed white rice or as an appetizer.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Element | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Sugars | 2g |
Tips for the Best Gurame Tauco
- Fish Selection: Ensure the gurame fish is fresh for the best taste. You can substitute gurame with other fish like tilapia or snapper, but gurame is traditional and adds a unique taste.
- Tauco Variations: Tauco can vary in flavor depending on the brand or homemade variety. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with salt or sugar as needed.
- Frying Tip: If you want the fish extra crispy, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. You can test it by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle right away.
- Serving: This dish can be served with steamed rice or as an appetizer with sambal and fresh herbs.
Conclusion
Gurame Tauco is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings together the crispy texture of fried fish with a rich, savory tauco sauce that balances sweetness and tang. This dish offers a beautiful mix of textures and bold flavors, making it a fantastic main course for dinner or a special occasion.
Enjoy the delightful fusion of spices and ingredients, and let this dish transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Indonesian cuisine!
