Pecel Lele Gurih: Indonesian Crispy Catfish with Savory Spices
Ingredients:
- 3 whole catfish (lele)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and seasoning (to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- A pinch of turmeric
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Instructions:
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Begin by thoroughly cleaning the catfish under running water. Rub the fish with lime juice and a generous pinch of salt. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the fish to firm up. After marinating, rinse the fish again under cold water and set aside.
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In a mortar and pestle or blender, combine the garlic, coriander, and turmeric with a little salt. Grind the mixture into a smooth paste, adding just enough water to help with the blending. Stir in the seasoning to taste.
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Gently coat the catfish with the spice paste, ensuring that each piece is evenly covered. Allow the seasoned fish to marinate for at least 1 hour, giving the spices time to penetrate and flavor the fish.
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Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated catfish to the pan. Fry the fish until it turns a golden brown and is cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the size of the fish.
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Remove the fried catfish from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes or a fresh salad.
Note: If you’re looking to complete your meal, feel free to scroll down for the recipe of a delectable pecel sambal to accompany your Pecel Lele Gurih.
