Savory Indonesian Patin Fish Stew with Spicy Tamarind Broth

Pindang Ikan Patin Recipe

Pindang Ikan Patin is a traditional Indonesian dish known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. This dish features Patin fish simmered in a rich and spicy broth with a delightful combination of ingredients. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 10 shallots (bawang merah)
• 2 tomatoes (tomat)
• 1 tablespoon dried shrimp paste (ebi) or shrimp paste (terasi)
• 10 curly red chilies (cabe merah keriting)
• 15 small red chilies (cabe rawit merah)
• 1 piece of turmeric root (kunyit)
• 1 kg Patin fish (ikan patin)
• 2.5 liters water
• 2 stalks lemongrass (sereh)
• 3 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 10 slices small red chilies (rawit merah)
• Tamarind water (air asam jawa) – to taste
• Salt – to taste
• Sugar – to taste
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) – to taste
• Pineapple slices (optional, as I forgot to buy them 😂)
• Basil leaves (daun kemangi) – for garnish
• Tomato slices – for garnish

Steps

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending the shallots, curly red chilies, small red chilies, dried shrimp paste (or shrimp paste), turmeric root, and tomatoes into a smooth spice paste.

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2. Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the Patin fish, spice paste, bay leaves, sliced small red chilies, and lemongrass stalks to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer so that the flavors meld and the fish cooks through.

3. Season the Dish: Once the fish is cooked and the flavors have integrated, add salt, sugar, sweet soy sauce, pineapple slices (if using), and tamarind water to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Final Cooking: Continue to cook the dish until it reaches a rolling boil and the flavors are well balanced. The broth should be aromatic and flavorful.

5. Serve: Serve the Pindang Ikan Patin hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and tomato slices. Enjoy it with steaming hot rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Pineapple: Although pineapple slices are optional, they add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the dish beautifully. If you have pineapple on hand, don’t forget to include it!
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies according to your heat preference. The recipe as written will yield a moderately spicy dish.

Enjoy this delectable Indonesian classic with your family and friends, and relish the complex, mouthwatering flavors of Pindang Ikan Patin! 🌟👌🏻