Spicy Indonesian Bumbu Kuning with Crispy Nile Tilapia

Bumbu Kuning Ikan Nila: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Dish

Ingredients:

• 1 kg Nile tilapia fish
• 5 cloves garlic
• 6 shallots
• 15 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit setan)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (ladaku)
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 3 candlenuts
• 2 cm turmeric
• 2 cm galangal
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cm ginger
• 1/2 coconut (to extract coconut milk)
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 seasoning cube (Masako)
• 1.5 tablespoons sugar
• Water, as needed
• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish: Start by cutting the Nile tilapia into two parts. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until cooked through and golden brown. Once done, set the fish aside.

2. Blend the Spices: In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, bird’s eye chilies, ground white pepper, coriander powder, candlenuts, turmeric, and salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth spice paste.

3. Crush the Aromatics: Lightly crush the lemongrass, galangal, and ginger to release their flavors.

4. Sauté the Spices: In a large pan or wok, heat some oil. Add the blended spice paste along with the crushed lemongrass, galangal, and ginger. Sauté until the spices become fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

5. Simmer the Dish: Add the kaffir lime leaves and bay leaves to the pan. Pour in enough water to cover the fish and let it simmer until the flavors meld and the liquid reduces slightly.

6. Add the Fish and Coconut Milk: Gently add the fried tilapia pieces into the pan. Stir carefully to coat the fish with the spice mixture. Pour in the freshly squeezed coconut milk and continue to cook until the dish reaches a boil. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, sugar, or seasoning cube if needed.

7. Final Adjustments: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Let it simmer until the sauce has thickened to your liking and the flavors have fully developed.

8. Serve: Once done, transfer the Bumbu Kuning Ikan Nila to a serving dish. Enjoy this flavorful Indonesian specialty with steamed rice and your favorite side dishes.

Notes: This recipe captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine with its rich, aromatic flavors and vibrant yellow sauce. The use of fresh spices and coconut milk makes it a truly authentic experience. Feel free to adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of bird’s eye chilies according to your preference.

Happy cooking, and may your Bumbu Kuning Ikan Nila bring a delightful taste of Indonesia to your table!