Grilled Snakehead Fish in Spicy Coconut Sauce (Gulai Ikan Gabus Panggang)

This delightful Indonesian dish, known as Gulai Ikan Gabus Panggang, features tender snakehead fish (ikan gabus) marinated and grilled to perfection, then simmered in a rich and aromatic coconut sauce. The combination of fresh herbs and spices creates a flavor profile that is both bold and comforting, perfect for any gathering or family meal.

Ingredients

• 600 grams Snakehead Fish (Ikan Gabus)
• 5 cloves Garlic
• 5 shallots
• 1 Onion (Bawang Bombay)
• 1 piece Fresh Turmeric (about 1 inch)
• 1 piece Ginger (about 1 inch)
• ½ teaspoon Coriander seeds (Ketumbar)
• 2 Candlenuts (Kemiri)
• 1 Lemongrass stalk (Serai)
• 2 Kaffir Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk)
• 1 sachet (65 ml) Coconut Milk (Kara)
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste
• Seasoning (Penyedap) to taste
• 1 Lime (Jeruk Nipis)
• 1 Chili Pepper (Cabe)
• 1 Tomato

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Begin by cutting the snakehead fish into three pieces. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and then season with salt and lime juice. Allow the fish to marinate for a while, enhancing its flavor.

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2. Grill the Fish:
   Preheat your grill or oven. Grill the fish pieces until they are beautifully browned and cooked through, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes depending on the heat. Set the grilled fish aside.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Slice the onion and set it aside. In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic, chili pepper, turmeric, coriander, shallots, candlenuts, and ginger. Grind these ingredients into a smooth paste, releasing their fragrant oils and flavors.

4. Sauté the Spices:
   In a large skillet or pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until it becomes aromatic and golden, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the deep flavors in your dish.

5. Add Aromatics:
   Incorporate the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves into the sautéed spices. Follow this by pouring in the coconut milk. Stir the mixture gently, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer.

6. Season the Sauce:
   Add sugar, salt, and seasoning to taste, creating a well-balanced sauce that will complement the fish perfectly.

7. Combine Fish with Sauce:
   Carefully add the grilled fish pieces into the sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. Finish with Fresh Ingredients:
   Finally, add the sliced onion and tomato to the pot. Gently stir to combine, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly without losing their fresh crunch. Cook for another few minutes, just until everything is heated through.

9. Serve:
   Once done, remove the pot from heat and serve your Gulai Ikan Gabus Panggang hot, accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. The combination of tender fish and rich, aromatic sauce is sure to impress your family and friends.

Enjoy Your Culinary Adventure!

This dish not only showcases the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine but also reflects the love and care that goes into every meal. Share this delightful experience with your loved ones and create lasting memories around the dinner table.