Ikan Bawal Bumbu Rujak: A Flavorful Delight

Ikan Bawal Bumbu Rujak is a vibrant and delicious dish that showcases the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine. This recipe combines the succulent taste of barramundi fish with a fragrant spice mix, creating a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 whole barramundi fish
• 2 red chilies
• 2 green chilies
• 3 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah)
• 3 shallots
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1-inch piece of turmeric (kunyit)
• 1 tablespoon of candlenuts (miri)
• 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds (ketumbar)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (batang serai), bruised
• 1-inch piece of galangal (laos)
• 2-3 bay leaves (daun salam)
• Salt, to taste
• Palm sugar (gula jawa), to taste
• Flavor enhancer (penyedap rasa), optional
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)

Preparation Steps

1. Clean the Fish: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the barramundi fish under running water. Once clean, pat them dry with a paper towel.

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2. Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the fish until they turn a lovely golden brown. Be careful not to overcook them; they should remain moist on the inside. Adjust frying time based on your preference.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste: While the fish is frying, place the red chilies, green chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, turmeric, candlenuts, and coriander seeds into a mortar and pestle. Grind these ingredients together until they form a smooth paste.

4. Sauté the Spices: In a separate pan, add the lemongrass, galangal, and bay leaves. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes aromatic, releasing a wonderful fragrance that will enhance the dish.

5. Add Water and Seasoning: Pour in enough water to create a sauce, stirring well. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt and palm sugar according to your preference. If using, add a flavor enhancer for an extra depth of taste.

6. Combine with the Fish: Gently add the fried barramundi to the pan, mixing well to ensure the fish is coated evenly with the flavorful sauce.

7. Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, serve the Ikan Bawal Bumbu Rujak hot, accompanied by a steaming bowl of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

This dish not only highlights the freshness of the barramundi but also envelops it in a harmonious blend of spices that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy this authentic Indonesian delight with your loved ones, making every meal a memorable experience!