Spicy Tilapia Soup (Nila Kuah Pedas)
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh tilapia fish | 500 grams |
| Basil leaves | 1 bunch |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 3 leaves |
| Bay leaves | 3 leaves |
| Lemongrass (bruised) | 1 stalk |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Sweet soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken stock powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
For the marinade:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
For the spice paste:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Shallots | 5 shallots |
| Red chilies | 5 pieces |
| Turmeric (fresh or powder) | 1 cm piece (or ½ tsp) |
| Ginger | 1 cm piece |
| Candlenuts (or macadamia nuts) | 2 pieces |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fish
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the tilapia fish. Once cleaned, marinate the fish by rubbing it with finely chopped garlic and salt. Let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse into the flesh. -
Fry the Fish
Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated tilapia until it is half-cooked. If you prefer a crispier texture, fry the fish until golden and crispy. Set aside the fried fish for later use. -
Prepare the Spice Paste
Using a blender or mortar and pestle, blend the garlic, shallots, red chilies, turmeric, ginger, and candlenuts into a smooth paste. Heat a little oil in a large pan or wok and sauté the spice paste over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and bruised lemongrass stalk to the pan, cooking until fragrant. -
Simmer the Soup
Pour a small amount of water into the pan with the sautéed spices and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the half-cooked fish into the pan, followed by sugar, salt, chicken stock powder, ground black pepper, and sweet soy sauce. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the fish absorbs the rich flavors. -
Finish and Serve
Allow the soup to simmer until the fish is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together. Just before serving, add the basil leaves to the soup and let it simmer for another minute. The aroma of fresh basil will elevate the soup to another level.
Serve the Spicy Tilapia Soup hot, and enjoy the rich, spicy broth with tender fish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 30 grams |
| Fat | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 10 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Sugar | 3 grams |
This dish is perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors combined with the fresh taste of herbs like basil. The combination of fragrant spices and tender tilapia creates a satisfying and warming meal that’s best enjoyed with steamed rice or on its own as a flavorful soup.
This Spicy Tilapia Soup (Nila Kuah Pedas) is a great addition to any seafood lover’s repertoire, bringing together simple ingredients with an explosion of flavor.
