Bawal Pedas Merah ala Nani: A Spicy Red Snapper Delight

Discover the rich flavors of Bawal Pedas Merah, a delightful spicy red snapper dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This recipe, inspired by Nani’s culinary expertise, brings together fresh ingredients and vibrant spices to create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is an exquisite choice that beautifully showcases the harmony of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Fish

1 kg Bawal Fish (Red Snapper), cleaned thoroughly
1 piece Tempeh, cut to your liking (feel free to adjust the size)

Spice Mixture 1

4 cloves Garlic
1.5 cm Turmeric, peeled
1/2 teaspoon Salt
50 ml Water

Spice Mixture 2

10 Shallots
5 cloves Garlic
15 Bird’s Eye Chilies (adjust to taste)
3 large Red Chilies
1 Tomato, quartered (to reduce the fishy smell)
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Sugar
1 cm Galangal, crushed
2 kaffir Lime Leaves
Fresh Basil Leaves, to taste
50 ml Thick Coconut Milk
500 ml Hot Water

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Fish:
Start by coating the cleaned bawal fish with the first spice mixture that you’ve blended until smooth. Allow the fish to marinate in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to absorb the flavors. After marination, fry the fish until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, set it aside to drain excess oil.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
In a hot pan, add a bit of oil and sauté the shallots, garlic, large chilies, and bird’s eye chilies until fragrant. Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a blender, adding a pinch of salt, and blend until smooth.
Simmer the Sauce:
In the same pan, quickly sauté the ground spice mixture. Add in the hot water, followed by the galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and the quartered tomato. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully.
Combine with Fish and Tempeh:
Gently introduce the fried bawal fish and tempeh to the bubbling sauce. Sprinkle in the sugar and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. Toss in the fresh basil leaves for a delightful aroma.
Finish with Coconut Milk:
After about 5 minutes, pour in the thick coconut milk, stirring gently for about a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Serve and Enjoy:
Your Bawal Pedas Merah ala Nani is now ready to serve! This vibrant dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a side of vegetables. Enjoy the rich, spicy flavors and share this delightful culinary creation with your loved ones.

Happy Cooking! 😘😘

Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference, making this dish as mild or fiery as you desire. Enjoy every bite of this savory masterpiece!