Juicy Grilled Gourami with Sweet Soy Glaze

Grilled Gourami (Gurame Bakar) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole gourami fish (approximately 600 grams)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Spice Paste:

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 6 shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 5 red curly chilies
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 2 cm ginger
• 2 cm turmeric
• Salt to taste

For the Basting Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Thoroughly clean the gourami fish and rinse it under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
   • Rub the fish with lime juice to remove any fishy odor and to tenderize it.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind them into a powder.
   • Blend the shallots, garlic, red curly chilies, bird’s eye chilies, ginger, and turmeric into a smooth paste.
   • Combine the ground coriander with the spice paste and season with salt to taste.

3. Marinate the Fish:

   • Rub the spice paste all over the fish, ensuring it’s well-coated inside and out. Reserve a small portion of the spice paste for basting later.
   • Allow the fish to marinate for about 30 to 45 minutes, so the flavors can penetrate the flesh.

4. Prepare for Grilling:

   • Heat a grill pan or barbecue. If using a grill pan, preheat it over medium heat.
   • Mix the reserved spice paste with the butter and sweet soy sauce to create a basting mixture.

5. Grill the Fish:

   • Place the marinated fish on the grill pan or barbecue. If using a grill pan, cover it with a lid to keep the fish moist and juicy.
   • Grill the fish, basting it occasionally with the prepared mixture, until it is cooked through and has a nice char. The fish should be tender and juicy.

6. Serve:

   • Once cooked, remove the fish from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
   • Serve the grilled gourami with your choice of side dishes and enjoy!

This recipe for Gurame Bakar delivers a succulent and flavorful grilled fish, perfect for any meal. The combination of aromatic spices and sweet soy sauce creates a deliciously moist and juicy dish.