Sayur Kuning Mujair: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Stew
Sayur Kuning Mujair is a traditional Indonesian dish that beautifully showcases the delicate flavors of mujair fish, also known as tilapia, in a vibrant and aromatic yellow soup. This dish is often enjoyed for its fresh and zesty taste, enhanced by a medley of spices and the freshness of herbs. The combination of tender fish, tangy tamarind, and a rich spice blend makes for a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to prepare this delicious dish, complete with detailed ingredients, nutritional information, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mujair Fish | 5 pieces |
| Krai (long beans) | 1 piece, cut into 2 |
| Tamarind | 2 thumb-sized pieces |
| Water | 1.5 liters |
| Spring Onions | 2 stalks, chopped |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | 3 leaves |
| Salt | To taste |
| Granulated Sugar | To taste |
Marinade Ingredients
| Marinade Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Turmeric | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Ginger | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Coriander | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 5 tablespoons |
Spice Blend
| Spice Blend Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bird’s Eye Chili | 11 pieces |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Turmeric | 2 thumb-sized pieces |
| Ginger | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Coriander | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Candlenut | 1/2 nut |
| Galangal | 1/4 thumb-sized piece |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 |
| Protein | Approx. 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 15 g |
| Fat | Approx. 10 g |
| Fiber | Approx. 3 g |
| Sodium | Varies with salt added |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the mujair fish, ensuring all scales and internal organs are removed. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, combine the fish with the marinade ingredients: garlic, turmeric, ginger, coriander, salt, and water. Rub this mixture over the fish, making sure it is well coated. Allow the fish to marinate for approximately 30 minutes. It’s essential not to rinse the fish after marinating, as this helps retain the flavor.
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Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, bring the 1.5 liters of water to a boil. Add the tamarind and let it infuse its tangy flavor into the water. Once boiling, stir in the spice blend made from the bird’s eye chili, shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, coriander, candlenut, and galangal. Allow this mixture to simmer for a few minutes, letting the spices meld together and releasing their fragrant aromas.
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Incorporate Vegetables: Add the krai (long beans) to the pot, followed by salt and sugar to taste. Wait until the soup returns to a boil, ensuring that the flavors combine harmoniously. The vibrant colors of the krai will enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
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Cook the Fish: Gently place the marinated mujair fish into the boiling soup. Let the fish cook thoroughly, which should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. To check for doneness, the fish should flake easily with a fork and have a white, opaque appearance. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt or sugar if necessary.
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Finish with Fresh Herbs: Once the fish is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped spring onions and kaffir lime leaves for a fresh burst of flavor. These ingredients not only add depth but also enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Carefully ladle the Sayur Kuning Mujair into serving bowls, ensuring each portion has a piece of fish, some krai, and a generous helping of the fragrant broth. This dish is best enjoyed hot, accompanied by steamed rice to soak up the delicious flavors.
Final Thoughts
Sayur Kuning Mujair is more than just a meal; it embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine, celebrating the use of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. The tender fish paired with the aromatic broth creates a heartwarming dish that is sure to please both family and friends. Whether served on special occasions or as a comforting weekday dinner, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring a taste of Indonesia into your kitchen. Enjoy this culinary delight, and happy cooking!
