Sweet and Sour Catfish (Lele Saos Asam Manis)

Dive into the delightful world of Indonesian cuisine with this mouthwatering Sweet and Sour Catfish recipe. Combining tender catfish with a vibrant sauce, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a wonderful way to bring flavors of the tropics to your table.

Ingredients

For the Catfish:

• 2 whole catfish (or use snakehead fish if preferred)
• 250 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 3 shallots, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 board of petai (stink beans) (optional, if you enjoy the unique flavor)
• 50 grams onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Ground pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in water)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Ground pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime, for seasoning

Instructions

Preparing the Catfish

1. Debone the Catfish: Start by carefully separating the catfish meat from the bones. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and season it with salt and the juice of half the lime. Set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Battering the Fish

2. Prepare the Flour Coating: Divide the all-purpose flour into two portions: one for wet and one for dry. Coat each piece of marinated catfish first in the dry flour, ensuring an even layer, then dip into the wet batter to give it a crispy texture. Return it to the dry flour and coat again, creating a thicker crust.

Frying the Catfish

3. Fry the Catfish: In a deep frying pan, heat oil until hot. Carefully add the battered catfish pieces and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Sweet and Sour Sauce

4. Sauté Aromatics: In a separate pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat and add the sliced shallots, garlic, and petai (if using). Sauté until fragrant and the shallots turn translucent.

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5. Make the Sauce: Add the dissolved cornstarch to the pan, stirring well to combine with the aromatics. Next, add ground pepper, sugar, salt, and the remaining lime juice. Adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.

Final Assembly

6. Combine and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened slightly, pour it over the fried catfish pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.

Enjoy!

This Sweet and Sour Catfish is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and textures. The combination of crispy fish with the tangy sauce will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful family dinner, this recipe will surely become a favorite.

With every bite, you’ll taste the love and care that goes into preparing this beautiful Indonesian dish. Enjoy your culinary adventure!