Spicy Indonesian Milkfish Delight

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized milkfish (bandeng)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass (crushed)
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 8 large red chilies
  • 11 bird’s eye chilies
  • 4 shallots
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• To Taste:
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Seasoning powder
  • Juice of 2 lime

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Clean the milkfish thoroughly and rub with the juice of 2 limes. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
   • Rinse the fish again and fry it until it’s golden brown, but not too crispy. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend together the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, turmeric, and ginger until smooth.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant.

4. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the crushed lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, sugar, salt, and seasoning powder. Stir well.

5. Adjust the Seasoning:

   • Pour in a little water and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

6. Combine and Serve:

   • Gently add the fried milkfish into the pan with the spice mixture. Stir to coat the fish with the sauce.
   • Serve the spicy milkfish hot, and enjoy!

Happy cooking!