Ikan Kakap Rica-Rica: A Flavorful Indonesian Delicacy
Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh red snapper (ikan kakap)
- 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
- Salt (garam), to taste
For the Spice Paste:

- 6 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 8 shallots (bawang merah)
- 8 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), adjust to taste
- 5 red chilies (cabe merah), adjust to taste
- 1/2-inch piece of galangal (lengkuas)
- 1/4-inch piece of ginger (jahe)
- 1/4-inch piece of turmeric (kunyit)
- 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk), torn
- 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 1 stalk lemongrass (serai), smashed
- 1 tomato (tomat)
- 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (saos tiram)
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander (ketumbar)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (merica)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fish: Start by cleaning the red snapper thoroughly under cold water. Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Rub the fish inside and out with lime juice and a pinch of salt. This helps to remove any fishy odor and adds a hint of tanginess.
-
Fry the Fish: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the fish until it is halfway cooked, with a crispy exterior but still tender inside. Remove the fish from the pan and let it drain on paper towels.
-
Make the Spice Paste: While the fish is frying, prepare the spice paste. In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, shallots, bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, galangal, ginger, and turmeric. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
-
Cook the Spice Paste: In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it turns a golden brown and fragrant. Add the torn kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, smashed lemongrass, and quartered tomato. Stir well and cook for a few minutes.
-
Add Sauces and Adjust Seasoning: Season the mixture with salt, then add the oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, coriander, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and let it cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water.
-
Combine the Fish and Sauce: Gently place the fried fish into the pan with the sauce. Stir carefully to coat the fish with the spice mixture. Allow the fish to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, so it absorbs the flavors.
-
Serve: Once the fish has absorbed the sauce and is cooked through, remove it from the heat. Transfer the fish to a serving plate and pour the rich, aromatic sauce over the top.
-
Enjoy: Serve your Ikan Kakap Rica-Rica hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast. Enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
This Ikan Kakap Rica-Rica recipe is a delightful representation of Indonesian cuisine, offering a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and aromatic elements. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to Indonesian dishes, this recipe will bring a taste of Indonesia to your kitchen. Enjoy the culinary journey!