Gurame Kecap: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Gurame Kecap is a savory and aromatic dish that showcases the beloved Gurame fish, enveloped in a rich sauce infused with a blend of fragrant spices and sweet soy sauce. This recipe not only brings out the essence of Indonesian cooking but also delivers a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with steaming hot rice. Let’s embark on this culinary journey to create a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To prepare this scrumptious Gurame Kecap, you will need the following ingredients:
- 5 whole Gurame fish (cleaned)
- 2 ripe tomatoes (chopped)
- 5 cloves of garlic (peeled)
- 1 onion (finely sliced)
- 5 shallots (peeled)
- 2 cm ginger (crushed)
- 1 stalk lemongrass (smashed)
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (sliced)
- Fresh basil leaves (to taste)
- Sugar (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 250 ml water
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the Gurame fish, then generously rub them with salt to enhance the flavor. Allow the fish to sit for a few moments while you prepare the other ingredients. Once ready, heat oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until golden brown. After frying, drain the fish on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 2: Create the Aromatic Base
In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, and black pepper, and blend until you achieve a smooth paste. In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil and sauté the blended mixture along with the sliced onion until fragrant. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and stir until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in 250 ml of water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the bay leaves, smashed lemongrass, sliced chilies, and crushed ginger to the pot. Next, season the mixture with sugar, salt, oyster sauce, and sweet soy sauce, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Fried Fish
After the sauce has reached a vigorous boil, carefully add the fried Gurame fish into the skillet. Gently turn the fish to ensure that they are evenly coated with the rich sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together and the fish to turn a deep, dark color.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Finally, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top of the fish. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, turning the fish slowly and carefully to prevent breaking. Once cooked through, remove from heat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your delightful Gurame Kecap is now ready to be served! Present this flavorful dish alongside hot steamed rice, allowing the savory sauce to soak into each grain. Enjoy every bite of this delicious Indonesian classic that is sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Bon Appétit!
This recipe for Gurame Kecap is a wonderful way to experience the rich culinary traditions of Indonesia, and it’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners. With its vibrant flavors and fragrant aromas, this dish embodies the heart and soul of home-cooked Indonesian meals. Enjoy your cooking and the delightful flavors that come with it!
