Mangut Ikan Lele: A Flavorful Indonesian Catfish Stew
Dive into the vibrant world of Indonesian cuisine with Mangut Ikan Lele, a delightful catfish dish that marries the earthy flavors of spices with the tender texture of fish. This comforting stew is perfect for serving alongside steaming rice, making it a beloved meal in many households. Below, you’ll find the detailed recipe to create this delectable dish.
Ingredients
For the Catfish:
- 2 catfish (ikan lele)
- 3 green onions (daun bawang), chopped
- 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
- 1 bay leaf (daun salam)
- 1 tomato, quartered
- 200 ml water
- 50 ml coconut milk (santan)
- Salt, powdered broth (kaldu bubuk), and sugar to taste
- Cooking oil, as needed
For the Marinade:
- 1 clove garlic (bawang putih)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric (kunyit)
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds (ketumbar)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Spice Paste:
- 3 shallots (bawang merah)
- 1 clove garlic (bawang putih)
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit, optional for heat)
- ½ thumb-sized piece of turmeric (kunyit)
- 4 cm ginger (jahe)
- 4 cm galangal (lengkuas)
Preparation Steps
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Clean the Catfish: Start by thoroughly washing the catfish, removing any scales from the flesh to ensure the marinade penetrates well. Coat the fish with the marinade mixture and allow it to sit for several minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Fry the Catfish: Heat oil in a pan and fry the catfish until it is half-cooked or fully cooked, depending on your preference. Once done, remove the fish from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
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Prepare the Spice Base: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the spice paste until fragrant. Add the bay leaf and kaffir lime leaves, followed by the water.
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Add Coconut Milk: Season the broth to taste, then pour in the coconut milk. Let it simmer and adjust the flavors as needed.
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Simmer the Catfish: Gently add the fried catfish back into the pan, allowing it to simmer in the broth so that it absorbs all the delicious flavors. After a few minutes, add the chopped green onions and tomato.
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Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, your Mangut Ikan Lele is ready to be served. Pair it with steaming hot rice for a complete meal that is sure to satisfy.
Enjoy this delightful dish that showcases the essence of Indonesian cooking, and don’t hesitate to share it with family and friends for a truly communal dining experience! 🐟✨
