Pecel Lele: A Flavorful Keto Delight

Pecel Lele, a beloved Indonesian dish featuring crispy fried catfish served with a spicy sambal, is perfect for those following a keto diet. This recipe not only captures the authentic flavors but also embraces the simplicity of preparation, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps required to create this delicious meal.

Ingredients

For the Catfish:

5 pieces of catfish (preferably tail cuts)

For the Marinade:

Juice of 1 lemon
Coarse salt (to taste)

For the Catfish Seasoning:

1-inch piece of turmeric
1/3 section of young galangal
1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
Coarse salt (to taste)

For the Spicy Sambal:

10 red curly chilies
5 bird’s eye chilies
8 shallots
4 cloves of garlic
3 roasted candlenuts
3 square centimeters of grilled shrimp paste (terasi)
Coarse salt (to taste)
Palm sugar (to taste)
Coconut oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Catfish

To humanely dispatch the catfish, sprinkle a generous amount of coarse salt into the bucket where the fish are kept. This method will ensure the catfish is quickly subdued.

Step 2: Cleaning the Catfish

Thoroughly rinse the catfish under running water until all the slime is removed. This step is crucial for ensuring a clean taste.

Step 3: Marinating

Rub the catfish with lemon juice and coarse salt. Let it marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Seasoning the Catfish

While the catfish is marinating, grind the seasoning ingredients (turmeric, galangal, coriander, and salt) into a fine paste. Rinse the catfish again and then coat it in this spice mixture. For optimal flavor absorption, let the catfish soak in the marinade for at least one hour—longer is better!

Step 5: Frying the Catfish

Heat oil in a frying pan over low heat. Carefully fry the marinated catfish, ensuring it cooks evenly until the outside is crispy and the inside is tender.

Step 6: Making the Sambal Pecel

Clean the sambal ingredients thoroughly. In a separate pan, fry all the sambal ingredients (except for the shrimp paste and candlenuts) until fragrant.

Step 7: Grinding the Sambal

Once the sambal ingredients are fried, grind them into a smooth paste. Add the candlenuts and salt last to aid the grinding process. Finally, mix in the palm sugar to balance the flavors.

Step 8: Serving

Your Pecel Lele is now ready to be served! Enjoy it hot alongside the sambal for a delightful and satisfying meal.

Enjoying Your Dish

Pecel Lele is best enjoyed fresh, accompanied by steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal. This dish is not only keto-friendly but also offers a taste of authentic Indonesian cuisine, sure to impress your family and friends.

Final Tips

Adjust the level of spice according to your preference by modifying the quantity of chilies.
For added richness, consider drizzling more coconut oil over the sambal before serving.

With its delightful crunch and vibrant flavors, Pecel Lele stands out as a truly satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this culinary journey and make every meal a celebration!