Pindang Bandeng Recipe
Pindang Bandeng is a traditional Indonesian dish featuring fresh bandeng fish, known for its tangy and spicy flavors. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to create a delightful and aromatic fish stew that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 whole fresh bandeng fish (I use super bandeng)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 5 shallots
- 2 cm piece of ginger
- 2 cm piece of turmeric
- 3 cm piece of galangal
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 3 bay leaves
- 20 small green chilies (cabai rawit jawa)
- 1 piece of palm sugar
- 3 tamarind slices
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 packet of seasoning mix (optional)
Steps:
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by cutting the bandeng fish into several pieces. Rinse them thoroughly and allow them to drain.
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Prepare the Spices: Grill the garlic, shallots, turmeric, ginger, galangal, and lemongrass until fragrant. You don’t need to fully cook them, just soften and char them slightly to release their essential oils. Once grilled, coarsely grind the spices using a mortar and pestle.
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Cook the Spices: In a large pot, bring about 1 liter of water to a boil. Add the coarsely ground spices along with the lemongrass, bay leaves, tamarind slices, palm sugar, seasoning mix (if using), and salt. Stir well and let the mixture simmer to allow the flavors to meld.
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Simmer the Fish: Once the broth has developed a rich flavor, carefully add the fish pieces. Reduce the heat to low and cook the fish for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is thoroughly cooked and tender.
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Add Chilies and Tomatoes: When the fish is almost done, add the small green chilies and tomatoes to the pot. Allow the stew to cook for a few more minutes, letting the chilies infuse their heat into the dish.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the flavor needs more depth, add a bit more salt or palm sugar to balance the taste.
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Serve: Once the fish is cooked and the flavors are well balanced, remove the pot from heat. Serve the Pindang Bandeng hot, enjoying its refreshing and spicy flavors that are perfect for any time of the year, especially in the current season.
Enjoy the vibrant and aromatic flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish with your family and friends.
