Ikan Lele Goreng Balado: A Spicy Fried Catfish Delight

Ingredients:

• 2 jumbo catfish (ikan lele)
• 8 shallots (bawang merah)
• 6 garlic cloves (bawang putih)
• Red curly chili peppers (cabe merah keriting) to taste
• Green bird’s eye chili peppers (cabe rawit hijau) to taste
• 1 piece of turmeric (kunyit)
• 1 piece of ginger (jahe)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• Salt (garam) to taste
• Sugar (gula) to taste
• Water (air) as needed
• Cooking oil (minyak goreng) for frying
• 1 tomato, chopped (tomat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Catfish: Start by thoroughly washing the jumbo catfish under running water. After cleaning, cut the fish into pieces according to your preference.

2. Season the Fish: Sprinkle salt over the catfish pieces, making sure to rub it in well to enhance the flavor.

3. Fry the Catfish: In a hot pan, add enough cooking oil to fry the fish. Fry the catfish until it is cooked through and slightly dried, achieving a golden-brown color.

4. Make the Spice Paste: While the fish is frying, prepare the spice blend. In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the shallots, garlic, red curly chili peppers, green bird’s eye chili peppers, turmeric, and ginger. Blend until smooth, creating a fragrant paste.

5. Sauté the Spice Paste: In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the spice paste until it becomes aromatic. Add the chopped tomato and the kaffir lime leaves, stirring well to combine.

6. Cook the Sauce: Continue to sauté until the mixture is well-cooked. Then, add a pinch of sugar and salt, along with a splash of water to create a sauce.

7. Combine with Catfish: Once the sauce has reduced slightly, gently add the fried catfish to the pan. Stir to coat the fish evenly with the spicy sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.

8. Finish Cooking: Allow the catfish to simmer for a few moments, ensuring the spices are well integrated. After the fish is well-coated and flavorful, turn off the heat.

9. Serve: Your Ikan Lele Goreng Balado is now ready to be served. Enjoy this spicy fried catfish with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.

This recipe encapsulates the essence of Indonesian cuisine, marrying the rich flavors of catfish with a vibrant, spicy sauce that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish with friends and family!