Pecak Lele Kemangi: Indonesian Fried Catfish with Basil
Indulge in the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this recipe for Pecak Lele Kemangi, a delightful dish featuring crispy fried catfish topped with a savory peanut and chili sauce, and fresh basil leaves. This recipe offers a balance of spice, tanginess, and herbal freshness, making it a standout addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 5-6 pieces of fried catfish (Ikan Lele Goreng)
- 100 grams roasted peanuts
- 15-20 red bird’s eye chilies (adjust the spiciness to your preference)
- 3 shallots
- 2 small cloves of garlic
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- Fresh basil leaves (Daun Kemangi), as needed
- Water, as needed
- Vinegar, as needed
- Salt, to taste
- Granulated sugar, to taste
- Cooking oil, for frying
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fried Catfish: Begin by preparing your fried catfish. If you haven’t already fried the catfish, you can do so by seasoning and frying them until crispy. Set aside once done.
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Make the Peanut Sauce: In a skillet, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. Fry the roasted peanuts, red bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, and ginger until the peanuts turn a golden brown and aromatic. Be careful not to burn the ingredients. Remove from heat and transfer everything, including the oil, to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding just enough water to achieve a slightly thick sauce consistency.
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Season the Sauce: Return the blended sauce to the skillet over low heat. Add salt, granulated sugar, and a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors. Stir well and adjust the seasoning to your taste. The sauce should be flavorful and well-balanced, with a slight tanginess from the vinegar.
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Assemble the Dish: On a serving plate, spread a layer of the peanut sauce. Arrange the fried catfish on top of the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves that have been washed and patted dry. Drizzle additional peanut sauce over the top of the catfish and basil.
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Serve: Your Pecak Lele Kemangi is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it immediately while the catfish is still crispy and the flavors of the sauce are vibrant.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, creating a complete and satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and aromatic. Enjoy the blend of crispy catfish, rich peanut sauce, and the fresh kick of basil in every bite!
