Indonesian Yellow Fish Curry: Ikan Mas Kuah Kuning Recipe

Ikan Mas Kuah Kuning: A Flavorful Indonesian Fish Dish

Ikan Mas Kuah Kuning, also known as Indonesian Yellow Fish Curry, is a delightful and aromatic dish featuring tender fish cooked in a rich, spiced coconut milk sauce. The combination of fresh herbs, spices, and tangy lime creates a harmonious blend of flavors that makes this dish a true culinary gem. Perfect for a family meal or special occasion, this recipe brings the essence of Indonesian cuisine right to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg fish (such as carp, cleaned and scaled)
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 500 ml coconut milk (extracted from 1/2 grated coconut)
• 1 segment galangal (crushed)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• Salt (to taste)
• Seasoning powder (optional, to taste)
• 250 ml cooking oil
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 15 bird’s eye chilies
• 1 red tomato
• For the spice paste:
  • 5 shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 5 candlenuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 segment ginger
  • 1 segment turmeric

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Clean the fish thoroughly, then rub it with lime juice and salt. Let it marinate for approximately 15 minutes.
   • Heat the cooking oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, candlenuts, coriander seeds, ginger, and turmeric. Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Sauce:

   • In the same pan used for frying the fish, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the spice paste until it is fragrant and cooked through.
   • Add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and crushed galangal. Continue to sauté until the spices are well blended.
   • Pour in the coconut milk, and add the bird’s eye chilies and chopped tomato. Stir well and bring to a boil.

4. Combine and Simmer:

   • Once the coconut milk mixture reaches a boil, gently add the fried fish. Season with salt, seasoning powder (if using), and granulated sugar.
   • Allow the dish to simmer for about 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

5. Serve:

   • Remove the pan from heat. Transfer the Ikan Mas Kuah Kuning to a serving dish. Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of side dishes.

This vibrant and aromatic dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine. The creamy coconut milk and bold spices create a savory sauce that perfectly complements the delicate taste of the fish. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Ikan Mas Kuah Kuning!