Nila Bumbu Kunyit Pedas: Spicy Turmeric Nile Fish
In this delightful recipe for Nila Bumbu Kunyit Pedas, we will be creating a mouthwatering dish that features the rich flavors of turmeric and spicy chilies, combined with the tender, flaky texture of Nile fish. The vibrant blend of spices and aromatics will transport your taste buds to the heart of Indonesian cuisine, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| For the Fish | 3 pieces of Nile fish (cleaned) |
| Sufficient cooking oil | |
| Marinade | 3 segments of turmeric (about 4 inches total) |
| 1 segment of ginger (about 2 inches) | |
| 6 cloves of garlic | |
| 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds | |
| 1 tablespoon of salt | |
| Sufficient water | |
| Ground Spice Mix | 6 shallots |
| 5 cloves of garlic | |
| 3 candlenuts | |
| 1 segment of ginger (about 2 inches) | |
| 1 segment of turmeric (about 4 inches) | |
| 10 red curly chilies (or red chilies) | |
| 15 bird’s eye chilies (rawit) | |
| 1 tablespoon of lime juice | |
| Sufficient salt | |
| Sufficient sugar | |
| Sufficient water | |
| Rough Spice Mix | 2 tomatoes, diced |
| 2 lemongrass stalks, finely sliced | |
| 2 segments of galangal, crushed (about 2 inches) | |
| 6 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced | |
| 2 bay leaves | |
| 1 spring onion, cut into large pieces | |
| 4 whole bird’s eye chilies (rawit) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Start by washing the Nile fish thoroughly under running water to ensure all impurities are removed. Once clean, place the fish in a large bowl and generously rub the ground spice mix over the surface, making sure to coat all sides. Add a splash of water to the bowl, just enough to moisten the fish without drowning it, and let it marinate for approximately 20 minutes to absorb all the vibrant flavors.
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Fry the Fish: After the marination period, heat a sufficient amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated fish to the pan and fry until cooked through, taking care not to over-fry, as this can make the fish too dry or crispy. The goal is to achieve a lovely golden color on the outside while keeping the flesh tender. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Sauté the Spices: In the same frying pan, with a bit of oil still in it, add the ground spice mix and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, ensuring that the mixture doesn’t burn. Once the spices have released their beautiful aroma, introduce the rough spice mix to the pan. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add Liquid and Simmer: Once the mixture is aromatic and slightly caramelized, pour in sufficient water to create a sauce, adjusting the amount based on your preferred consistency. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt or sugar to balance the flavors.
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Combine Fish and Sauce: As the sauce begins to thicken and reduce slightly, gently place the fried Nile fish back into the pan. Carefully spoon the sauce over the fish, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Cover the pan and let everything simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes, ensuring the fish is fully immersed in the aromatic sauce.
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Final Touches and Serve: Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness and the fish is infused with the bold flavors, turn off the heat. Your Nila Bumbu Kunyit Pedas is now ready to be plated. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh herbs or additional slices of chilies if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or your favorite Indonesian accompaniments, offering a delightful balance of spices and heat.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
This tantalizing dish captures the essence of Indonesian flavors, and its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well. Whether you are sharing this meal with family or enjoying it solo, Nila Bumbu Kunyit Pedas is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process, and let each bite remind you of the love and tradition infused into every step of its preparation. Happy cooking!
