Penyet Ikan Lele
Traditional Indonesian Catfish Dish
Penyet Ikan Lele is a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian dish that combines crispy fried catfish with a spicy, aromatic sambal. Here’s how to prepare this delightful meal:
Ingredients:
- 8 whole catfish (ikan lele), cleaned and gutted
- 4 cloves garlic
- Red chili peppers (cabe rawit) and curly red chilies (cabe keriting) to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds (ketumbar)
- Salt, sugar, and flavor enhancer (optional) to taste
- 1 small bunch of Thai basil (kemangi)
- 1 small lime (jeruk nipis)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Catfish:
- Thoroughly clean and gut the catfish. Rinse them well under cold water. Squeeze the lime juice over the fish to add a zesty flavor and remove any fishy odor. Let the fish drain.
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Season the Catfish:
- In a mortar and pestle or food processor, crush one clove of garlic with the coriander seeds and a pinch of salt. Rub this mixture over the catfish, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the fish to marinate briefly.
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Fry the Catfish:
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the catfish until they are golden brown and crispy, ensuring they are cooked through. For a crispier texture, fry until the fish are quite crispy. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
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Prepare the Sambal:
- In the same oil used for frying the fish, fry the remaining garlic cloves until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Fry the red chilies until they are partially cooked but still vibrant. Remove and set aside, keeping the oil on low heat.
- In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine the fried chilies and garlic. Add salt, sugar, and flavor enhancer to taste. Gradually pour a small amount of the hot oil over the sambal mixture, mixing it thoroughly to enhance the flavor.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the fried catfish on a plate. Spoon the freshly made sambal over the fish or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh Thai basil leaves for a fragrant touch.
Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of Penyet Ikan Lele, a dish that beautifully represents Indonesian culinary traditions. Perfect for a comforting meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its delicious blend of spices and crispy fish.
