Ikan Nila Kuah Kari: A Savory Indonesian Delight
Ikan Nila Kuah Kari, or Nile Fish in Curry Sauce, is a delightful dish bursting with flavors and spices that beautifully complements the tender fish. This recipe will guide you through creating a flavorful curry sauce that brings out the best in this fresh fish, perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
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Fresh Nile fish (Ikan Nila) | 1 whole fish |
All-purpose flour | To coat |
Egg | 1 large |
Red chili peppers (cabe merah kriting) | 10 grams |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Shallot (bawang merah) | 1 bulb |
Fresh turmeric (kunyit) | 1 stalk |
Galangal (lengkuas) | ½ stalk |
Lemongrass (sereh) | 1 stalk, bruised |
Kara coconut milk | 1 carton (approximately 200 ml) |
Fresh celery (seledri) | 1 stalk, for garnish |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by cutting the fresh Nile fish into small, bite-sized pieces. If desired, you can fillet the fish for a more refined presentation. Set aside the cut pieces for the next steps.
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Coat the Fish: In a bowl, beat the egg until frothy. Dip each piece of fish into the egg, ensuring they are well coated. Next, roll the egg-coated fish pieces in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour. This coating will provide a delightful crispness when fried.
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Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the coated fish pieces to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
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Prepare the Curry Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the red chili peppers, garlic, shallot, turmeric, and galangal. Blend until you have a smooth paste. This aromatic paste will be the foundation of your curry sauce.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a clean frying pan, add a small amount of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture becomes fragrant and starts to change color.
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Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the Kara coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Then, add a little water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Serve: Arrange the crispy fried fish pieces on a serving platter. Generously ladle the fragrant curry sauce over the fish, ensuring each piece is well coated. Garnish with chopped celery for a fresh touch.
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Enjoy: Serve your Ikan Nila Kuah Kari hot, ideally accompanied by steamed rice to soak up the luscious curry sauce. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings a vibrant splash of color to your dining table.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | Approximately 350 kcal |
Protein | 25 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
With its blend of spices and creamy coconut milk, Ikan Nila Kuah Kari is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish with loved ones, creating memories and flavors that will last a lifetime!