Ikan Gabus Pucung: A Flavorful Indonesian Catfish Delight
Ikan Gabus Pucung is a delightful Indonesian dish that showcases the unique flavor of catfish (ikan gabus) combined with the rich, earthy notes of kluwek (also known as pucung), a black nut that is a staple in many traditional Indonesian recipes. This dish is not only delicious but also represents the vibrant culinary heritage of Indonesia. Whether you’re planning a family meal or looking to impress your guests with something exotic, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering Ikan Gabus Pucung, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Catfish (ikan gabus), cleaned and marinated with lime | 1/2 kg |
| Kluwek (pucung), soaked in hot water and flesh removed | 1/4 |
| Red chili peppers (cabe merah) | 9 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chili peppers (cabe rawit) | 15 pieces (whole) |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 7 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves |
| Candlenuts (kemiri), roasted | 5 pieces |
| Coriander (ketumbar) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger (jahe), peeled | 1 piece (about the size of a thumb) |
| Turmeric (kunyit), peeled | 1 piece (about the size of a thumb) |
| Galangal (lengkuas), peeled | 1 piece (about the size of a thumb) |
| Lemongrass (serai), smashed | 1 stalk |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 3 leaves |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (penyedap masakan) | To taste |
| Water | 700 ml |
Nutritional Information
While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient choices, the following table provides a general overview of the nutrition you can expect from a serving of Ikan Gabus Pucung:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 350 kcal |
| Protein | Approximately 25 g |
| Total Fat | Approximately 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | Approximately 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | Approximately 10 g |
| Fiber | Approximately 2 g |
| Sugar | Approximately 2 g |
| Sodium | Approximately 300 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredient brands.
Instructions
To prepare Ikan Gabus Pucung, follow these detailed steps for a delightful culinary experience:
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Prepare the Catfish: Start by cleaning the catfish thoroughly, then marinate it with lime juice to enhance its flavor and remove any fishy odor. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
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Soak the Kluwek: Take the kluwek nuts, remove their flesh, and soak it in hot water. This process helps to soften the nuts and enhances their flavor, making them easier to incorporate into the dish.
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Blend the Spices: In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the shallots, garlic, roasted candlenuts, coriander, ginger, turmeric, and galangal. Blend or pound the mixture until it forms a smooth paste, releasing a fragrant aroma that will form the base of your dish.
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Sauté the Spices: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the blended spice mixture and sauté until it becomes fragrant and golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
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Add Aromatics: Once the spices are aromatic, add the smashed lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to the pan. Continue sautéing for another minute to infuse the flavors into the oil.
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Incorporate Water and Kluwek: Pour in the 700 ml of water and add the soaked kluwek. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Season the Broth: After the broth reaches a boil, season it with salt, sugar, and flavor enhancer to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
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Add Whole Chilies: Add the whole bird’s eye chilies to the pot, giving the dish a delightful kick of heat that balances perfectly with the rich flavors.
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Introduce the Catfish: Gently place the marinated catfish into the boiling broth. Ensure that the fish is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
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Final Touches: Finally, add chopped green onions (optional) for a burst of freshness. Allow the dish to simmer for a few more minutes until the catfish is fully cooked and the flavors have melded beautifully.
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Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to seep into the fish. Serve hot with steamed rice, enjoying the complex and delightful flavors of Ikan Gabus Pucung.
Enjoy Your Culinary Adventure!
Ikan Gabus Pucung is a testament to the rich and diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine. The combination of aromatic spices, tender catfish, and the unique taste of kluwek makes this dish a culinary treasure that you and your loved ones will cherish. Happy cooking, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
