Spicy Catfish (Ikan Lele Pedas)
Dive into the bold flavors of this Indonesian-inspired Spicy Catfish recipe, where tender catfish fillets are enveloped in a rich and aromatic sauce. This dish balances the heat of fresh chilies with the earthy undertones of traditional spices, creating a delightful and spicy meal that will impress anyone who loves a bit of zest in their dishes.
Ingredients:
- 7 medium-sized catfish fillets
- Water, as needed
- Cooking oil, for frying
For the Spice Blend:
- 4 shallots
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 candlenuts
- 1 large red chili
- 5 small bird’s eye chilies
- 1 tomato
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 cm ginger
- 2 cm turmeric
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Seasoning (optional, to taste)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Catfish:
- Clean the catfish fillets thoroughly. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the fillets until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- Using a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, red chili, bird’s eye chilies, tomato, ginger, and turmeric into a smooth paste.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté until the paste becomes fragrant and starts to darken slightly.
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Simmer the Sauce:
- Add water to the pan with the spice paste, enough to create a sauce. Allow it to come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the flavors meld together.
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Combine and Adjust Flavors:
- Gently add the fried catfish fillets to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat the fish evenly. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens and the fish is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with sugar, salt, and optional seasoning as desired.
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Serve:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the fish is well coated, remove from heat. Serve the Spicy Catfish hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish. Enjoy the harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
This recipe for Spicy Catfish brings a vibrant touch to your meal, combining the crispy texture of fried fish with a rich, aromatic sauce. Perfect for those who appreciate a flavorful and spicy kick in their dishes!
