Steamed Catfish with Spicy Tamarind Banana Leaves

Garang Asem Lele: A Savory Indonesian Steamed Catfish Dish

Garang Asem Lele is a traditional Indonesian dish featuring catfish cooked with a blend of aromatic spices and wrapped in banana leaves for a unique, flavorful experience. This dish is perfect for those looking to explore Indonesian cuisine with its vibrant flavors and tender, steamed fish. Follow this recipe for a delightful meal that’s both aromatic and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams catfish (lele), preferably small to medium size, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 3 cm ginger, crushed
• 2 cm galangal, crushed
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
• 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, bruised
• 10 red chilies, sliced
• 3 bilimbi (belimbing wuluh), sliced (if unavailable, use tamarind or lime as a substitute)
• 2 small tomatoes, chopped
• Banana leaves, for wrapping

Ground Spices:

• 6 shallots, peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 3 candlenuts, toasted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Catfish:

   Related Articles

   • 
     Delicious Classic Tuna Sandwich with Fresh Veggies
   • 
     Spicy Grilled Snakehead Fish in Coconut Sauce (Gulai Ikan Gabus Panggang)
   • 
     Tangy Indonesian Fried Fish with Spicy Pickled Vegetables
   • 
     Spicy Bandeng Fried Rice: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
   • Wash the catfish pieces thoroughly under cold water. Cut them into smaller sections for easier handling and even cooking.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Using a blender or mortar and pestle, grind the shallots, garlic, and toasted candlenuts into a smooth paste. This spice mixture is the base of the dish’s rich flavor.

3. Cook the Spices:

   • Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Incorporate the bruised lemongrass, crushed ginger, crushed galangal, torn kaffir lime leaves, sliced red chilies, chopped tomatoes, and sliced bilimbi. Continue to sauté until the ingredients are well combined and the tomatoes start to soften.

4. Combine with Catfish:

   • Add the catfish pieces to the pan. Stir gently to ensure the fish is well-coated with the spice mixture. Once combined, turn off the heat and mix the fish until the spices are evenly distributed.

5. Wrap and Steam:

   • Lay out the banana leaves on a flat surface. Place the seasoned fish in the center of each leaf, then fold the leaves over to create a secure package.
   • Steam the wrapped fish in a steamer for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the catfish is fully cooked and tender.

6. Serve:

   • Once steamed, carefully unwrap the banana leaves. Serve the Garang Asem Lele hot, either on its own or accompanied by steamed rice.

Enjoy this traditional Indonesian dish that brings together a harmonious blend of spices and tender catfish, enhanced by the fragrant banana leaves. Garang Asem Lele is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia, offering a taste of its vibrant and flavorful cuisine.