Savory Indonesian Catfish Stew (Semur Lele) with Flavorful Soy Sauce

Semur Lele (Catfish Stew) with Optional Chicken Hearts

Overview

Semur Lele is a traditional Indonesian dish that features catfish cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce, often enhanced with spices and soy sauce. This delightful recipe also offers an optional addition of chicken hearts for those looking to incorporate extra protein and flavor into their meal. This dish is best enjoyed served hot with steamed rice, allowing the savory sauce to soak into each grain for a truly satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preparation of the Catfish:

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   • Begin by cleaning the catfish thoroughly. Remove any unwanted parts and rinse well under running water. For a more manageable size, cut the catfish into pieces according to your preference.

2. Frying the Catfish:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, gently add the catfish pieces to the pan. Fry until the fish is golden brown and crispy on the outside, which should take about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. Once done, remove the fried catfish from the pan and set aside on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

3. Preparing the Spice Blend:

   • While the catfish is frying, prepare the spice blend. In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the red onions, garlic, sliced chilies, coriander, pepper, and ginger. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste, adding a little water if necessary to facilitate blending.

4. Cooking the Spice Blend:

   • In the same pan used for frying the catfish, add a little more oil if needed and then add the spice paste. Sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Simmering the Dish:

   • Once the spices are aromatic, add a small amount of water to the pan, stirring to combine. Carefully return the fried catfish to the pan. Gently stir to coat the fish with the spice mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

6. Adding Flavorings:

   • Drizzle soy sauce over the fish, adjusting to your taste. Add the sliced chilies, salt, flavor enhancer, and sugar. Stir well, ensuring the fish is well-coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce or sugar to balance the flavors.

7. Serving:

   • Once the dish has simmered to your liking, it’s ready to serve. Plate the Semur Lele alongside a generous serving of warm, steamed rice. The rich sauce pairs beautifully with the rice, making for a delightful meal.

8. Enjoy:

   • Dive into this delicious Semur Lele, relishing the combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy with family and friends, sharing the joy of a traditional Indonesian culinary experience!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

This Semur Lele recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and traditions, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with your loved ones!