Pecak Ikan Bawal: A Delicious Indonesian Dish
Ingredients:
- 1 large barramundi fish (ikan bawal)
- 15 red bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah)
- 15 red chilies (cabe merah), adjust to taste
- 3 green tomatoes (tomat hijau)
- 7 shallots (bawang merah)
- 5 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (jahe)
- 2 cm kencur (a type of ginger)
- 4 cm temu kunci (a type of rhizome)
- 1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste (terasi)
- 5 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
- Juice of 2 calamansi limes (jeruk limau)
- Juice of 2 limes (jeruk nipis)
- 2 cups hot water
- Sugar and salt, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fish: Clean the barramundi fish thoroughly and make shallow cuts along its body. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the fish, and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. You can choose to either fry or grill the fish based on your preference.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Coarsely grind the red bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, shallots, garlic, and shrimp paste. Slice the green tomatoes into wedges.
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Prepare the Aromatics: Crush the ginger, kencur, and temu kunci to release their flavors.
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Combine Ingredients: Mix the coarsely ground spice paste, sliced tomatoes, and crushed aromatics together in a bowl.
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Cook the Fish: Place the prepared fish in a pan over low heat. Spread the mixed ingredients evenly over the fish. Pour the hot water over the fish, and add the kaffir lime leaves, calamansi lime juice, and lime juice. Season with sugar and salt to taste.
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Simmer and Serve: Allow the fish to cook slowly, letting all the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning as necessary. Once the fish is cooked through and the flavors have combined, your Pecak Ikan Bawal is ready to be enjoyed.
Enjoy this flavorful Indonesian dish, perfect for a delightful meal with family and friends. 😊
