Ikan Nila Rica-Rica: A Spicy Indonesian Delight
Experience a burst of flavor with Ikan Nila Rica-Rica, a delectable Indonesian dish that combines crispy fried Nile tilapia with a vibrant, spicy sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who love a touch of heat and the aromatic taste of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams Nile Tilapia (Ikan Nila)
- 100 grams Red Chilies (Cabe Merah)
- 5 Shallots (Bawang Merah)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (Bawang Putih)
- 20 Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit), or more for extra heat
- 2 cm Ginger (Jahe)
- 4 stalks Green Onions (Daun Bawang), sliced diagonally
- Salt (Garam), to taste
- 3 Kaffir Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk), optional
- Basil Leaves (Daun Kemangi), optional
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fish:
- Clean the Nile tilapia thoroughly, then rub with lime juice or vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and remove any fishy odor.
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Coarsely grind the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, ginger, shallots, and garlic to create a fragrant spice paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this step.
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Fry the Fish:
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the tilapia until it is golden brown and crispy. Ensure the fish is cooked through and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- In the same pan, remove excess oil and sauté the sliced green onions until aromatic. Add the prepared spice paste and cook until the paste is fragrant and well-cooked.
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Combine and Serve:
- Add the fried tilapia to the pan with the spice paste. Gently mix to coat the fish evenly with the spices. If using, add the kaffir lime leaves for extra fragrance.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
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Enjoy:
- Serve hot and enjoy your Ikan Nila Rica-Rica with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Selamat menikmati! 🍲🍲
Indulge in this spicy and aromatic Indonesian dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests!
