Spicy Sweet Grilled Gurame (Teflon Pan Grilled)
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gurame fish | 1/2 kg |
| Lime juice | As needed |
| Salt | As needed |
Spice Paste Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shallots | 8 cloves |
| Garlic cloves | 4 cloves |
| Red chilies | 6 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies (extra hot chilies) | 4 pieces |
| Ginger | 2 cm |
| Coriander powder | 1 tbsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tbsp |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Sweet soy sauce | 7 tbsp |
| Lemongrass stalk | 1 stalk |
| Salt | As needed |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fish:
Clean the gurame fish thoroughly and marinate it with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt. Let it rest for approximately 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. While some may prefer to grill the fish directly, I like to fry it first to make the exterior crispy. Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated fish until it’s golden brown and crispy. Set it aside. -
Make the Spice Paste:
In a blender, combine the shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, ginger, coriander powder, black pepper, and a splash of cooking oil. Blend until smooth. Once blended, sauté this spice paste in a hot pan with a little oil for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Add the lemongrass stalk while sautéing to infuse the flavor. After sautéing, set it aside. -
Coat the Fish:
Take the crispy fried fish and coat it generously with the spice paste. Let it marinate for another 30 minutes, allowing the spices to fully penetrate the fish. If you have more time, let it sit even longer for a richer flavor. But, if you’re in a rush (like I often am, with my hungry husband eagerly waiting 😅), 30 minutes will do the trick. -
Grill the Fish:
Heat a Teflon pan and melt some butter. Grill the marinated fish in the pan, flipping it occasionally to avoid burning. While grilling, add some more of the spice paste and a bit of sweet soy sauce to enhance the flavor and ensure the spices soak into the fish. Keep an eye on the fish, turning it as needed to get an even char. Once the fish is beautifully grilled, remove it from the heat. -
Serve:
Your spicy sweet grilled gurame is now ready! Serve it hot with a side of rice or vegetables. The crispy exterior combined with the deep, flavorful spice paste will leave everyone wanting more! 😋 Enjoy your meal!
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can use a traditional outdoor grill instead of a Teflon pan.
- The longer you marinate the fish, the richer the flavors will be. However, if you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute rest will provide great results.
