Spicy Indonesian Red Snapper Rica-Rica: A Flavorful Delight
Ikan Kakap Rica-Rica: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Ikan Kakap Rica-Rica is a vibrant and spicy dish from Indonesia, perfect for those who appreciate bold flavors and aromatic spices. This recipe combines fresh red snapper with a medley of spices, resulting in a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Let’s embark on this culinary journey, ensuring that each step leads to a beautifully crafted plate that showcases the rich traditions of Indonesian cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Red Snapper (Ikan Kakap) | 1 kg |
| Lime Juice (Jeruk Nipis) | 1 fruit |
| Salt (Garam) | To taste |
| Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus) | |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 6 cloves |
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 8 cloves |
| Bird’s Eye Chili (Cabe Rawit) | 8 pieces (to taste) |
| Red Chili (Cabe Merah) | 5 pieces (to taste) |
| Galangal (Lengkuas) | 1/2 segment |
| Ginger (Jahe) | 1/4 segment |
| Turmeric (Kunyit) | 1/4 segment |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk) | 3 leaves (torn) |
| Bay Leaves (Daun Salam) | 2 leaves |
| Lemongrass (Serai) | 1 stalk (bruised) |
| Tomato (Tomat) | 1 piece (quartered) |
| Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis) | 1 tablespoon |
| Oyster Sauce (Saos Tiram) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Ketumbar) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper (Merica) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Start by washing and cleaning the red snapper thoroughly. Squeeze the juice of the lime over the fish, seasoning it with salt to enhance the flavor. Let it marinate for a while to absorb the tangy taste.
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Fry the Fish: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan. Once hot, gently fry the marinated fish until it is half-cooked. Remove the fish from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
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Make the Spice Paste: In the same pan, reduce the heat and add the finely ground spice paste consisting of garlic, shallots, bird’s eye chili, red chili, galangal, ginger, and turmeric. Sauté until the mixture turns golden brown, releasing its aromatic fragrance.
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Add the Aromatics: To the sautéed spice paste, add the torn kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, bruised lemongrass, and quartered tomato. Season with salt and stir well to combine.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour in a splash of water to create a sauce base. Add the oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, and adjust the seasoning as needed. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld together.
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Integrate the Fish: Carefully return the fried red snapper to the pan, gently coating it with the aromatic sauce. Stir to ensure that the fish is well-integrated with the spices, then cover and allow it to simmer for a few minutes so the fish can absorb the flavors.
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Serve: Once the fish is fully cooked and has absorbed the delicious flavors of the rica-rica sauce, remove it from the heat. Transfer to a serving platter, and it’s ready to delight your guests.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Ikan Kakap Rica-Rica is best served with steamed rice and accompanied by a side of fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. This dish not only represents the essence of Indonesian cuisine but also invites you to explore the rich tapestry of flavors that can be achieved with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Selamat mencoba! 🍜 (Happy cooking!)
