Kepala Kakap Bumbu Kuning
This delightful Indonesian dish features the head of the snapper cooked in a fragrant yellow spice blend, perfect for a savory meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Snapper heads (cut in half) | 2 heads (4 pieces) |
| Lime juice | 2 pieces (for marinating) |
| Spice Blend: | |
| Curly red chili peppers | 15 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chili peppers | 8 pieces |
| Shallots | 8 pieces |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Candlenuts | 3 pieces |
| Fresh turmeric | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Coriander seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Other Ingredients: | |
| Bay leaves | 3 leaves |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 3 leaves |
| Bird’s eye chili peppers (whole) | 5 pieces (for garnish) |
| Galangal | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Ginger | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Lemongrass | 2 stalks (small) |
| Tamarind water | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt, sugar, and seasoning | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Snapper: Clean the snapper heads thoroughly, then rub them with lime juice and salt. Let them marinate for about 20 minutes to eliminate any fishy odor.
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Make the Spice Paste: Blend the curly red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, turmeric, candlenuts, and coriander seeds until smooth. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste until fragrant and cooked through.
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Add Aromatics: Incorporate the lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and ginger into the sautéed spice paste. Stir until the mixture is aromatic.
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Cook the Snapper: After marinating, gently add the snapper heads into the pan. Sauté briefly to allow the spices to penetrate the fish.
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Add Liquid: Pour in tamarind water and enough regular water to cover the fish. Add the whole bird’s eye chilies, along with salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste.
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Simmer: Adjust the heat and allow the dish to simmer until the fish is cooked through and tender, being careful not to stir too often to prevent the fish from breaking apart.
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Serve: Once done, check the seasoning and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful Kepala Kakap Bumbu Kuning!
Tips:
- Use a larger pan to avoid crowding, as snapper heads can be delicate.
- Be gentle while cooking to maintain the integrity of the fish.
Happy cooking and enjoy this savory Indonesian delight!
