Ikan Gurame Sambel Jeletot

By: Dapoer Linggar

This vibrant Ikan Gurame Sambel Jeletot is a delightful dish that showcases the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine, featuring crispy fried gourami fish bathed in a spicy and aromatic sambal. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe is sure to bring warmth to your dining table.

Ingredients

• 1 whole gourami fish, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 kaffir lime leaf
• 1 large tomato, coarsely chopped
• 2 packets of terasi (shrimp paste), roasted and ground
• Salt, to taste
• Granulated sugar, to taste
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 bay leaf
• Oil, for frying
• 10 whole red bird’s eye chilies
• 1 piece of bruised galangal

For the Sautéed Spices:

• 15 red bird’s eye chilies, sliced
• 10 cloves garlic, sliced
• 20 shallots, sliced

Preparation Steps

1. Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a pan and fry the gourami pieces until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the fish and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced shallots, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies. Then, introduce the bruised lemongrass, galangal, bay leaf, kaffir lime leaf, and roasted terasi. Sauté until fragrant and the vegetables are softened.

3. Incorporate the Tomato: Add the chopped tomato to the sautéed mixture, stirring well to combine and allow the flavors to meld.

4. Combine with Fish: Gently place the fried fish into the pan, ensuring each piece is coated with the flavorful sambal. Add salt, sugar, and the chicken bouillon cube, mixing thoroughly.

5. Cook to Perfection: Allow the fish to simmer in the sauce, enabling the flavors to penetrate the fish. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Serve: Once the fish is well-coated and the sambal is aromatic, remove from heat. Serve hot, and enjoy this exquisite dish with steamed rice.

Tips for Success

• For an extra kick, feel free to adjust the quantity of chilies according to your spice preference.
• Serve with a side of fresh vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Nutritional Information

While specific nutritional details will vary, this dish is generally high in protein from the fish and includes a variety of vitamins from the fresh herbs and vegetables.

Enjoy the delightful burst of flavors in every bite of this Ikan Gurame Sambel Jeletot, perfect for those who appreciate the warmth and depth of Indonesian cuisine!