Cagabun (Salted Snakehead Fish, Chili, and Green Beans in Oyster Sauce)
Cagabun is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines the savory flavors of salted snakehead fish, the heat of gendot chilies, and the freshness of baby green beans, all tied together with the rich umami of oyster sauce. Perfect as a side or a main course, this stir-fried dish bursts with vibrant colors and bold flavors, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. Below is a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious and simple dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salted snakehead fish (ikan asin gabus) | 3 medium-sized fish |
| Gendot chilies (cabe gendot) | 6, halved or quartered (adjust to taste) |
| Baby green beans (baby buncis) | 1/2 package, cut in half |
| Stink beans (petai) | 1 pod |
| Scallions (daun bawang) | As needed, chopped |
| Cherry tomatoes | 4, halved |
| Shallots | 5 cloves, thinly sliced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, thinly sliced |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 2 leaves |
| Galangal | 1 thumb-sized piece, crushed |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk, crushed |
| Oyster sauce | 1 packet (to taste) |
| Sugar and salt | Optional (I didn’t use any) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 kcal |
| Protein | 12-15 g |
| Fat | 6-8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10-15 g |
| Fiber | 2-3 g |
| Sodium | High (due to salted fish) |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Instructions
-
Soak the Salted Fish
Begin by soaking the salted snakehead fish in water for about 30 minutes. This step helps to reduce the saltiness. After soaking, drain the fish and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. -
Fry the Fish
Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan and fry the salted fish pieces until golden brown and crispy. Once done, set them aside on a plate lined with a paper towel to remove excess oil. -
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, use the remaining oil to sauté the sliced shallots and garlic until fragrant and golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the bay leaves, galangal, and lemongrass to the pan, and continue cooking until the aroma fills the air. -
Combine the Ingredients
Next, add the fried fish back into the pan, followed by the halved gendot chilies, green beans, and stink beans (petai). Stir everything together to coat the ingredients with the sautéed aromatics. -
Add the Oyster Sauce and Tomatoes
Pour in the oyster sauce, adjusting the amount to your taste. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and scallions for a burst of freshness and color. Add a small splash of water if the mixture appears too dry, and stir to combine. -
Simmer and Adjust the Seasoning
Let the dish simmer on low heat for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the dish and, if needed, add a touch of sugar or salt (though the salted fish and oyster sauce usually provide enough saltiness). -
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked through and well-combined, your Cagabun stir-fry is ready to serve! Plate the dish and enjoy it with steamed rice or on its own.
Tips and Variations:
- Chili Heat: You can adjust the number of gendot chilies according to your heat tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the number or substitute with a milder chili variety.
- Vegetarian Option: If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the fish and increase the amount of beans and vegetables, or use a plant-based meat alternative. You can also opt for a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
- Garnishing Ideas: Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can add a pop of freshness to the dish before serving.
Pairing Suggestions:
Cagabun is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, serve it with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The light and fluffy rice perfectly complements the bold flavors of the stir-fry.
- Indonesian Sambal: A dollop of sambal oelek or other Indonesian chili pastes can intensify the heat for spice lovers.
- Sautéed Greens: Stir-fried spinach or water spinach (kangkung) adds a healthy green element to the meal.
Enjoy your Cagabun stir-fry, a delightful Indonesian dish packed with vibrant flavors and textures!
