Nila Pedas Manis (Spicy Sweet Nile Fish)
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Nila Pedas Manis, a dish that beautifully balances spicy, sweet, and savory notes, making it a must-try for any culinary enthusiast. This recipe showcases the versatility of Nile fish, which absorbs the rich essence of the accompanying spices. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
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Nile fish (ikan nila) | 1/2 kg |
Garlic (bawang putih) | 1 clove |
Red shallots (bawang merah) | 5 cloves |
Red chili (cabe rawit) | 4 pieces |
Coconut palm sugar (gula merah kelapa) | 1/2 piece |
Shrimp paste (terasi) | A pinch |
Tomato | 1 piece |
Soy sauce (kecap) | To taste |
Water | To taste |
Salt (garam) | To taste |
Bay leaves (daun salam) | 2 leaves |
Lemongrass (serai) | 1 stalk |
Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 2 leaves |
Turmeric (kunir) | 2 cm |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the Nile fish thoroughly under running water. This step is crucial to ensure the fish is fresh and free from any impurities.
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Fry the Fish: Heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cleaned Nile fish and fry until golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish. Once cooked, remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Spice Mixture: While the fish is frying, prepare your spices. In a mortar and pestle, combine the red chilies, garlic, and a pinch of shrimp paste. Grind them into a smooth paste. For added flavor, chop the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves finely.
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Cook the Spices: In the same skillet used for frying the fish, add a bit more oil if necessary. Add the ground spice mixture to the hot oil and sauté until fragrant. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Liquid and Seasoning: Pour in enough water to create a sauce and bring it to a gentle boil. Then, add the finely chopped lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and the tomato, which you should chop into small pieces.
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Sweeten and Season: Stir in the coconut palm sugar and soy sauce to taste, along with salt. Allow the mixture to simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Combine with Fish: Once the sauce is bubbling, carefully add the fried Nile fish back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the fish, ensuring it is well coated. Allow the fish to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish thoroughly.
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Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or sugar according to your preference.
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Serve: Once the fish is well coated in the rich, spicy sauce, remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, allowing you to savor every drop of the delicious sauce.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | Approx. 300 |
Protein | 30 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Nila Pedas Manis is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a wholesome addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the burst of flavors that this dish brings to your table, celebrating the essence of home-cooked meals with every bite!