Pecak Gurame: Indonesian Spiced Grilled Gourami

Welcome to a culinary adventure with Pecak Gurame, a delightful Indonesian dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia right to your table. This recipe combines the rich taste of grilled gourami fish with a zesty and spicy sauce, perfect for those who love a bit of heat and an explosion of flavors. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 1 whole gourami fish
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fish seasoning paste (to be blended):
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • A thumb-sized piece of turmeric
  • Salt to taste

For the Pecak Sauce (to be blended):

• 7 shallots
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 5 red chilies
• A thumb-sized piece of ginger
• A thumb-sized piece of lesser galangal (kencur)
• 3 candlenuts

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed

Instructions

Preparing the Fish:

1. Clean the Gourami: Start by thoroughly cleaning the gourami fish. Make sure to remove all the scales and internal organs.
2. Marinate: Rub the fish with the lime juice and the blended fish seasoning paste. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors seep in.
3. Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the fish until it is cooked through and has a crispy, golden exterior. Set aside the fried fish on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Making the Pecak Sauce:

1. Sauté the Spices: In a separate pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the blended pecak sauce ingredients until fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Complements: Add the bay leaves, lemongrass, and chopped tomato to the pan. Stir well to combine.
3. Simmer: Pour in enough water to create a sauce consistency and bring to a simmer. Add sugar and salt to taste. Let it cook until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together, about 10-15 minutes.

Serving:

1. Assemble: Place the fried gourami fish on a serving platter.
2. Pour the Sauce: Generously pour the hot pecak sauce over the fish.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Enjoy this exquisite Pecak Gurame with your family and friends, and let the flavors transport you to the vibrant streets of Indonesia. Happy cooking and savor every bite!