Pindang Serani Ikan Patin: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Dish

Pindang Serani Ikan Patin is a traditional Indonesian dish that beautifully showcases the rich flavors of fresh catfish (ikan patin) combined with aromatic herbs and spices. This delightful recipe, perfect for any meal, balances the natural taste of the fish with tangy and savory elements, making it a favorite among culinary enthusiasts.

Ingredients

To create this flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 500 grams of fresh catfish (ikan patin)
• 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
• 4 shallots (bawang merah), thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic (bawang putih), thinly sliced
• 1 piece of ginger (jahe), roasted and crushed
• 1 piece of galangal (lengkuas), roasted and crushed
• 1 piece of turmeric (kunyit), roasted and crushed
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (serai), crushed
• 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 2 bunches of basil leaves (daun kemangi)
• 2 ripe tomatoes (tomat merah), quartered
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), sliced
• Water, as needed
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the catfish under running water. Once cleaned, rub the fish with lime juice, allowing it to marinate for a short time to enhance its flavor. Rinse the fish well after marinating.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan or pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Sauté these aromatic ingredients until they release their delightful fragrance, which will form the base of your dish.

Step 3: Create the Broth

Once the aromatics are fragrant, add enough water to the pan to create a flavorful broth. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, filling your kitchen with enticing scents.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasoning

Introduce the quartered tomatoes and sliced bird’s eye chilies to the boiling broth. Season the mixture with salt and sugar, adjusting to your taste preferences. This combination will provide a perfect balance of flavors.

Step 5: Cook the Fish

Carefully place the marinated catfish into the broth, allowing it to cook through. Avoid stirring too often, as this can break apart the delicate fish. Instead, let the catfish simmer gently until fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

As the catfish nears completion, add the fresh basil leaves. Their bright flavor will infuse the dish and elevate its freshness. Allow everything to cook together for a final few minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Once cooked, transfer the Pindang Serani Ikan Patin to a serving dish. For an extra touch, garnish with crispy fried shallots to add texture and flavor. Serve hot, alongside steamed rice, to fully enjoy this exquisite Indonesian meal.

Nutritional Information

While the specific nutritional content can vary based on exact ingredient quantities and preparation methods, this dish is generally rich in protein from the catfish and packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh herbs and vegetables.

Enjoy your culinary journey with Pindang Serani Ikan Patin, a dish that not only celebrates the flavors of Indonesia but also embodies the warmth and love that home-cooked meals bring to the table.