Iwak Lundu Betu’up (Tumis Ikan Keting)

A Delightful Indonesian Dish

Iwak Lundu Betu’up, also known as Tumis Ikan Keting, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the deliciousness of fish in a beautifully aromatic sauce. This recipe brings together fresh ingredients, creating a delightful balance of spice and zest that pairs perfectly with steaming white rice.

Ingredients

• 1 kg Ikan Lundu (Lundu Fish), cleaned and head removed
• 10 cloves Garlic, peeled
• 7 Shallots, peeled
• 3 Stalks Lemongrass, white part only
• 20 Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit), adjust to taste
• 1 piece Turmeric (about 1-inch), peeled
• 3 Red Chilies, sliced diagonally
• 3 Green Chilies, sliced diagonally
• 2 Tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 5 Kaffir Lime Leaves
• Oil, as needed for sautéing
• Water, as needed
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Tamarind Paste (without seeds)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Begin by blending together the garlic, shallots, lemongrass, turmeric, bird’s eye chilies, and tamarind paste in a food processor or mortar and pestle until smooth. This aromatic blend will serve as the base of your dish.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a large pan or wok, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the kaffir lime leaves followed by the blended spice paste. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

3. Cook the Fish:
   Add the cleaned Ikan Lundu to the pan, ensuring it is well coated with the spice mixture. Stir gently to combine, then cover the pan with a lid and let it cook until the fish is nearly done and begins to simmer.

4. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
   After a few minutes, uncover the pan and season the fish with salt. Add the sliced red and green chilies, along with the tomato wedges. Gently stir to combine all ingredients, then cover the pan again to let the flavors meld together.

5. Final Adjustments:
   Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or water to achieve the desired consistency. Allow the dish to simmer for a few more minutes until everything is cooked through and well-integrated.

6. Serve:
   Your Iwak Lundu Betu’up is now ready to be served! Plate it alongside a generous serving of hot white rice for a truly satisfying meal.

Enjoy the Flavor!

This dish not only highlights the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine but also makes for a wholesome and hearty meal. Each bite of Iwak Lundu Betu’up is a celebration of freshness and spice, perfect for family gatherings or a delightful weeknight dinner.