Pindang Ikan Gabus: A Spicy and Tangy Fish Soup
Pindang Ikan Gabus, a beloved dish from Indonesian cuisine, is a vibrant, spicy, and aromatic soup made with the unique freshwater fish, Gabus (also known as Snakehead Fish). This dish boasts a perfect balance of flavors—from the tangy notes of tamarind and pineapple to the warming spices like ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass. While traditionally made with Gabus, feel free to substitute with other fish like Patin, depending on availability. This recipe will take you on a culinary journey through the rich and complex tastes of Indonesian cooking, bringing you a delightful soup that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Gabus (Snakehead Fish) | 1 medium-sized fish |
| Lemongrass (bruised) | 1 stalk |
| Sweet Basil (Kemangi) | 1 bunch |
| Scallions (cut coarsely) | 1 stalk |
| Cherry Tomatoes (quartered) | 2 |
| Bird’s Eye Chilies (rawit jawa) | 3 |
| Water | 1 liter |
| Pineapple (cubed) | To taste |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
Spice Paste (Giling Kasar)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Chilies (Cabe Merah) | 6 pieces |
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 4 cloves |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 1 clove |
| Fresh Ginger (Jahe) | 1-inch piece |
| Galangal (Lengkuas) | 1-inch piece |
| Turmeric (Kunyit) | 1/2-inch piece |
| Tamarind (Asam Jawa) | 1 tablespoon |
| Palm Sugar (Gula Merah) | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large pot, combine the Gabus fish, water, bruised lemongrass, and the ground spice paste. Bring to a boil and let the fish cook until tender. |
| 2 | Add the sweet basil leaves, scallions, cherry tomatoes, bird’s eye chilies, pineapple chunks, and salt. Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. |
| 3 | Once the soup is fragrant and the fish is cooked through, remove from heat. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. |
Note:
If you can’t find Gabus, feel free to substitute it with other similar freshwater fish such as Patin. This dish can also be enjoyed with steamed rice or eaten on its own as a light, flavorful broth.
This Indonesian-style fish soup is full of bold and harmonious flavors that will surely warm you up on a cool day. The combination of spicy, tangy, and sweet elements makes it a perfect dish to serve for family gatherings or special occasions.
