Savory Gulai Ikan Bawal and Shrimp in Coconut Milk

Gulai Ikan Bawal with Shrimp

This delightful Gulai Ikan Bawal with Shrimp is a fragrant and flavorful dish that beautifully combines the rich taste of fish and shrimp with aromatic spices and coconut milk. Perfect for a family meal or special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 250 grams of Bawal Fish (Pomfret)
• 300 grams of Shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 5 cloves of Shallots
• 3 cloves of Garlic
• 1 piece of Turmeric (fresh or ground)
• To taste Coriander seeds
• ½ of a Coconut, grated (for coconut milk)
• To taste Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabai rawit)
• To taste Salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seafood: Begin by cleaning the Bawal fish and shrimp thoroughly to ensure they are ready for cooking.

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2. Blend the Spices: In a blender, combine the shallots, garlic, turmeric, and coriander seeds. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste, which will serve as the base of your dish.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant. This step is essential to release the aromatic flavors of the spices.

4. Cook the Fish: Once the spices are aromatic, add the cleaned fish to the pan first. Let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors.

5. Add the Shrimp: After the fish has started to cook, gently add the shrimp to the pan. This ensures that both seafood elements cook evenly and meld their flavors together.

6. Incorporate the Chilies: Toss in the Bird’s Eye chilies, adjusting the amount according to your spice preference. This will add a delightful kick to the dish.

7. Extract Coconut Milk: While the seafood is cooking, take the grated coconut and blend it with water to extract fresh coconut milk. Strain the mixture to get smooth coconut milk.

8. Combine with Seasoning: Pour the extracted coconut milk into the pan along with salt to taste. This adds richness and depth to the gulai.

9. Simmer the Dish: Stir the mixture gently, ensuring that the coconut milk does not split. Allow the gulai to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the fish and shrimp are fully cooked and tender.

10. Final Touches: Continue stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from curdling. Once everything is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

11. Serve and Enjoy: Once the gulai is ready, serve it hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the aromatic and creamy flavors of this traditional dish that celebrates the bounty of the sea!

Cooking Tips

• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh seafood and ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your gulai.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of chilies based on your heat preference. You can also omit them for a milder version.

This recipe for Gulai Ikan Bawal with Shrimp is not only easy to prepare but also captures the essence of traditional Indonesian cuisine, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious dish with family and friends!