Indonesian Sweet Soy Fish with Kaffir Lime and Chili

Ikan Mas Siram Recipe: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Ingredients:

For the Fish Marinade:

• 2 whole tilapia fish (ikan mas)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 small onion (bawang bombay)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 shallots (bawang merah)
• 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 3 green chilies (cabe hijau, sliced)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (jahe, smashed)
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (kecap asin)
• Water, as needed
• Oil, as needed
• Salt, to taste
• Oyster sauce (saus tiram), to taste
• Mushroom broth powder (kaldu jamur), to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Clean the tilapia fish thoroughly and make diagonal cuts on both sides.
   • Squeeze the lime juice over the fish and rub with ground coriander. Let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Base:

   • Slice the onion, garlic, shallots, and green chilies. Lightly smash the ginger.
   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, garlic, shallots, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
   • Add the kaffir lime leaves and the smashed ginger. Continue to sauté until fragrant.

3. Cook the Fish:

   • Place the marinated fish into the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Cook for a few minutes on each side until the fish is browned.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • Pour enough water into the pan to cover the fish halfway. Stir in the sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt, mushroom broth powder, and a bit of sugar if desired.
   • Let the mixture simmer until the flavors meld together and the fish is fully cooked. If the sauce needs thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with water to make a slurry, and stir it into the sauce. Continue to simmer until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

5. Serve:

   • Transfer the cooked fish to a serving plate. Spoon the sauce and vegetables over the top. Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of side dishes.

Enjoy this flavorful Indonesian dish, Ikan Mas Siram, as a delightful and aromatic addition to your meal. Happy cooking!