Crispy Gurame Fish with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Gurame Asam Manis: A Flavorful Delight

Gurame Asam Manis is a beloved Indonesian dish that beautifully balances the rich flavors of fried fish with a sweet and tangy sauce, creating a delightful culinary experience that is sure to impress your guests. Here’s how to prepare this mouthwatering dish step by step.

Ingredients

To create this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 kg Gurame Fish (Ikan Gurame)
• 250 g Crispy Flour (Tepung Krispi)
• 3 Shallots (Bawang Merah)
• 5 Garlic Cloves (Bawang Putih)
• 2 Stalks Lemongrass (Serai)
• 2 cm Galangal (Lengkuas)
• 2 cm Ginger (Jahe)
• 5 Tomatoes (Tomat)
• 5 Red Chilies (Cabe Merah)
• 3 Bay Leaves (Daun Salam)
• 1 Onion (Bawang Bombay)
• 1 Liter Coconut Oil (Minyak Kelapa) for frying
• 2 Kaffir Limes (Jeruk Purut)
• 1 tablespoon Salt (Garam)
• 1 tablespoon Sugar (Gula)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Begin by carefully separating the fish from its bones. Rinse the fish thoroughly, then marinate it with salt and the juice of kaffir limes. Allow it to drain well.

2. Coat the Fish:
   Next, coat the marinated fish with crispy flour, ensuring it is evenly covered. Heat coconut oil in a deep pan and fry the fish until it turns golden brown and crispy.

3. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
   In the meantime, finely grind the shallots, garlic, galangal, and ginger to create a fragrant spice paste. Slice the onion thinly.

4. Sauté the Spices:
   In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the sliced onion until it becomes translucent. Add the ground spice mixture and cook until the aromas are released and the mixture is well combined.

5. Combine with the Fish:
   Once the spices are cooked through, gently add the fried gurame fish into the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Cook for a few minutes to combine.

6. Final Touches:
   Add the sliced tomatoes, red chilies, lemongrass, bay leaves, and a touch of sugar to balance the flavors. Let everything simmer together briefly, just until the tomatoes begin to soften.

7. Serve:
   Your Gurame Asam Manis is now ready to be served! Plate the fish, drizzle the sauce over it, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and is perfect for any occasion.

Enjoying Your Gurame Asam Manis

The combination of crispy fish and a vibrant, tangy sauce makes Gurame Asam Manis a standout dish that reflects the heart of Indonesian cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for a special gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing warmth and flavor to your table. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful dish!