Spicy Gurame Fish (Acar Gurame Pedas)

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Spicy Gurame Fish, a delightful dish that brings together the freshness of fish with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices. This recipe is not only simple but also perfect for gatherings or a family meal, embodying the love and warmth of home cooking.

Ingredients

• For the Fish:

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  • 4 medium-sized gurame fish, cleaned and scored
  • 1 jipang (also known as wax gourd), cut into matchsticks
  • 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks

• For the Aromatics:

  • 10 shallots, halved
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Mixed chili peppers (green and red), halved (to taste)

• For the Spice Paste:

  • 7 cloves of garlic
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 2 thumb-sized pieces of turmeric
  • 7 whole candlenuts
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

• For the Seasoning:

  • 2 stalks of lemongrass, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt (heaped)
  • 1 teaspoon mushroom seasoning

• For Frying the Fish:

  • 1 clove of garlic
  • A piece of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Start by thoroughly cleaning the gurame fish, ensuring to remove the gills and any internal impurities. Score the fish with diagonal cuts to allow the flavors to penetrate. Squeeze lime juice over the fish and let it sit for about 5 minutes to eliminate any fishy smell.

2. Marinate the Fish:
   In a bowl, combine the spice paste ingredients with about 2 tablespoons of water to create a marinade. Rinse the fish under cold water and then coat it evenly with the marinade, ensuring every inch is covered. While the fish is marinating, heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan and prepare for frying.

3. Prep the Vegetables:
   Peel and julienne the carrots and jipang. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, gently massage the vegetables to release some moisture, then rinse and drain them thoroughly.

4. Make the Spice Paste:
   In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the garlic, ginger, turmeric, and candlenuts into a smooth paste. Heat oil in a pan and sauté this spice paste along with the smashed lemongrass until fragrant.

5. Cook the Sauce:
   Once the spice paste is aromatic, add a splash of water and introduce the halved chili peppers, followed by black pepper, sugar, salt, and mushroom seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer until the mixture begins to boil. Adjust the seasoning to taste, keeping in mind that the sauce may become saltier as it reduces.

6. Combine and Simmer:
   Gently place the marinated fish into the simmering sauce, layering the prepared vegetables on top. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, allowing the dish to cook slowly. After about 3 minutes, carefully flip the fish to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.

7. Final Touches:
   Add the halved shallots on top of the fish, cover again, and let it cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring a balance of flavors.

8. Serve:
   Once the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are soft, remove the pan from heat. This deliciously spicy gurame is now ready to be served, perfect alongside steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the explosion of flavors that showcases the essence of home-cooked love!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg

This Spicy Gurame Fish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will surely warm the hearts of all who gather around your table. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the simple pleasure of a homemade dish that celebrates the essence of cooking with love!