Sweet and Sour Fried Gourami Fish (Gurame Asam Manis)
Discover a delightful Indonesian recipe for Gurame Asam Manis, or Sweet and Sour Fried Gourami Fish! This crispy fried fish, paired with a tangy sauce featuring a blend of chili sauce, tomato sauce, and fresh herbs, makes for a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. This easy yet elegant dish is excellent for special gatherings or a flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gourami fish (whole) | 1 fish (500 g) | Fillet and cleaned |
| Lime | 1 | Juice only, for fish marinade |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | For sauce balance |
| Salt | To taste | Used for both fish seasoning and sauce |
| Chili sauce | 3 tbsp | Adds a mild spice to the sauce |
| Tomato sauce | 2 tbsp | Gives a sweet note to the sauce |
| Instant broth powder | 1/2 sachet | Optional, adds depth to fish flavor |
| Water | As needed | To thin sauce if necessary |
| Egg | 1 | Beaten, for coating the fish |
For the Sauce Aromatics
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Onion | 1, small | Thinly sliced |
| Garlic cloves | 2 | Minced |
| Red chili or bell pepper | 2 | Sliced, adds color and mild heat |
| Green onions | 2 stalks | Sliced, for garnish |
For the Fish Coating
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 10 tbsp | For coating |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp | Adds crispiness |
| Optional pre-mixed flour | Substitute | Can use a ready-made flour mix like Sajiku |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fish:
- Rinse the fish thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Rub the fish with salt and lime juice, ensuring even coverage. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to eliminate any fishy odor. Rinse once more and pat dry.
- Season the fish with a sprinkle of broth powder (optional) and let it marinate for about 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
-
-
Coat the Fish:
- Pour the beaten egg over the fish, ensuring it is well-coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch (or use a pre-mixed seasoning flour if preferred).
- Dredge the fish in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to create a slightly textured coating. This will result in a beautifully crisp exterior.
-
Fry the Fish:
- In a deep pan or wok, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the fish in the oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Transfer the fish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the sliced chili or bell pepper and green onions, stirring until slightly softened.
- Pour in a small amount of water, then add the chili sauce, tomato sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly and bubbles.
-
Serve:
- Arrange the fried fish on a serving plate and pour the warm sweet and sour sauce over the top.
- Garnish with additional green onions if desired, and serve hot with steamed rice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Sugar | 6 g |
This dish combines tender, flavorful fish with a beautifully balanced sweet and sour sauce, ideal for indulging in a classic Indonesian favorite at home. Enjoy Gurame Asam Manis with a side of rice and fresh vegetables for a truly satisfying meal.
