Indonesian Snapper Soup with Lemongrass and Thai Basil

Sup Ikan Kakap: A Refreshing Indonesian Snapper Soup

Discover the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delightful Sup Ikan Kakap, a savory and aromatic snapper soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines fresh ingredients with a medley of herbs and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized fresh snapper fish (ikan kakap), cleaned and cut into 4-6 pieces
• 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 bunch of Thai basil leaves (daun kemangi)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Oil for sautéing
• 1 liter of water
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced into 2 cm pieces

For the Spice Blend:

• 5 cloves shallots
• 5 cloves garlic
• 4 red curly chilies
• 3 green curly chilies
• 3 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 1 tomato

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Cut the fresh snapper into 4-6 pieces, depending on their size. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Spices:

   • In a pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, red curly chilies, green curly chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and tomato. Sauté until the spices are fragrant and the shallots become translucent.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the smashed lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves to the pan. Continue to sauté for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Simmer the Soup:

   • Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the lime juice to infuse the soup with a tangy flavor.

5. Cook the Fish:

   • Gently add the snapper pieces to the boiling broth. Season with sugar and salt to taste. Add the chopped tomato and let the soup simmer until the fish is cooked through and tender.

6. Final Touches:

   • Stir in the sliced green onions and Thai basil leaves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the herbs to release their aroma.

7. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good portion of fish and herbs. Enjoy hot as a comforting and flavorful meal.

This Sup Ikan Kakap is a wonderful way to explore the tastes of Indonesian cooking. With its fragrant broth and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite addition to your culinary repertoire.