Indonesian Spiced Fried Mujair Fish with Basil

Pindang Ikan Mujair

This delectable Pindang Ikan Mujair recipe offers a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors, combined with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. The dish features crispy fried mujair fish simmered in a richly spiced sauce, making it an excellent choice for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s how to recreate this traditional Indonesian delight:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole mujair fish (cleaned and cut into pieces as desired)
• Cooking oil (enough for frying)
• Water (as needed)
• Salt (to taste)
• Sugar (to taste)
• 2-3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis, adjust to taste)
• 1 ripe tomato (sliced)
• Fresh basil leaves (as needed)
• For the Spice Blend:
  • 4 shallots (sliced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (sliced)
  • 1/2 thumb-sized piece of galangal (smashed)
  • 1/4 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 1/2 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
  • 1 stalk lemongrass (smashed)
  • 4 red chilies (sliced)
  • 7 bird’s eye chilies (sliced)
  • 3-4 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

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   • Thoroughly clean the mujair fish and cut it into desired pieces. Season with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of salt. Fry the fish in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and set aside.

2. Cook the Spice Blend:

   • Heat a sufficient amount of oil in a pan. Add the sliced shallots, garlic, smashed galangal, ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass. Sauté until the spices become fragrant and the shallots are translucent.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Add water to the pan with the sautéed spices, then introduce the bay leaves and sliced tomato. Season the mixture with salt, sugar, and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). Stir well to combine.

4. Simmer the Fish:

   • Gently place the fried fish into the pan with the sauce. Allow it to simmer until the flavors meld and the sauce has slightly reduced.

5. Finish the Dish:

   • Once the sauce has thickened and the fish is well-coated, stir in the fresh basil leaves. Let the dish cook for a few more minutes until the basil is wilted.

6. Serve:

   • Transfer the Pindang Ikan Mujair to a serving plate. Enjoy this dish hot, alongside steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.

This recipe brings out the authentic taste of traditional Indonesian cuisine with its aromatic spices and tangy flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal.