Sweet and Sour Carp (Ikan Mas Asam Manis)
Discover the delightful flavors of Sweet and Sour Carp, a dish that perfectly balances the tanginess of citrus with the savory richness of fish. This recipe features a medium-sized carp marinated and cooked to perfection, enveloped in a luscious sweet and sour sauce. Ideal for family gatherings or a special meal, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 1 medium-sized carp, cleaned and scaled
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
Marinade for the Fish
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon grated garlic
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (red onion or yellow onion)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small stalk lemongrass, crushed
- 1 red chili, seeds removed and sliced
- 1 small green onion, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Seasoning (optional)
- 300 ml water
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Fish
Begin by marinating the carp in a mixture of lime juice, salt, and grated garlic. Allow the fish to soak up these flavors for 30 minutes to 1 hour, enhancing its taste and tenderness.
Step 2: Fry the Fish
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the marinated carp until it is partially cooked; this will ensure that it remains juicy when simmered in the sweet and sour sauce. If you prefer a fully cooked fish, fry until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In the same pan, sauté the crushed garlic and sliced onion until fragrant. Add the water, followed by the julienned carrot, oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, and tomato ketchup. Include the sliced red chili and simmer until the carrot is tender, adding more water if necessary.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Once the vegetables are cooked, season the sauce with pepper, salt, sugar, and green onions. Gently add the fried carp to the sauce, ensuring it is coated well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cook until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Sweet and Sour Carp hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making it a delightful centerpiece for your meal.
Tips
- For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the fish overnight if time allows.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce according to your preference by modifying the sugar and lime juice quantities.
With its vibrant colors and tantalizing taste, Sweet and Sour Carp is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will bring joy to your dining table. Enjoy this culinary adventure!
