Indonesian fish recipes
Fragrant Gurame Fish Soup with Aromatic Herbs
Sop Ikan Gurame (Gurame Fish Soup)
Sop Ikan Gurame, or Gurame Fish Soup, is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines fresh fish with fragrant herbs and spices, resulting in a comforting and flavorful soup. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating a nourishing meal that highlights the unique taste of gurame fish, enriched with a blend of aromatic ingredients.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gurame fish | 1/5 kg |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Red chili pepper | 1 piece |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk |
| Shallots | 3 cloves |
| Ginger | 2 pieces (about 2 inches) |
| Galangal | 3 pieces (about 2 inches) |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 6 leaves |
| Royco seasoning | to taste |
| Water | as needed |
| Salt | to taste |
| Palm sugar | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Celery | to garnish |
| Green onion | to garnish |
Instructions
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by cleaning and cutting the gurame fish into appropriate portions. Marinate the fish with lime juice for added flavor and to reduce any fishy odor. |
| 2 | In a mortar and pestle, grind the shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper together until smooth. Add in the smashed ginger, galangal, and lemongrass to the mixture. |
| 3 | Heat a little oil in a pot and sauté the blended spices until they become fragrant, releasing their aromatic qualities. This step is crucial for infusing the soup with flavor. |
| 4 | Once the spices are aromatic, add the marinated gurame fish pieces and sliced red chili pepper to the pot. Toss them gently to coat with the spices. |
| 5 | Add in the bay leaves and kaffir lime leaves, followed by enough water to cover the fish. Sweeten with palm sugar and season with Royco and pepper to taste. |
| 6 | Allow the soup to simmer gently until the fish is cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully, approximately 10-15 minutes. |
| 7 | Before serving, garnish with chopped celery and green onions for an extra burst of freshness. Serve the Sop Ikan Gurame hot with steamed rice for a complete meal. |
This Sop Ikan Gurame is not just a meal; it is a heartwarming experience that brings people together around the table. The combination of fish and aromatic herbs creates a unique dish that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy your cooking journey!
