Spicy Sweet Catfish Recipe (Patin Manis Pedas)
Catfish lovers, this one’s for you! Patin Manis Pedas, or Spicy Sweet Catfish, is a flavorful Indonesian-inspired recipe that beautifully balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes. It’s an enticing dish perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Follow the steps below to create this vibrant, taste-packed meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Catfish fillets | 5 pieces |
| Garlic | 6 cloves |
| Lime | 4 limes |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 5 pieces |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Ground coriander | To taste |
| Chicken seasoning powder | 1 sachet |
| Granulated sugar | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
| Cooking oil | For frying and sautéing |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Catfish:
- Begin by thoroughly rinsing the catfish fillets under cold water. Squeeze the juice from the limes over the fish to eliminate any fishy odor and set aside for 5 minutes.
-
Season the Fish:
- Crush three garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, and coriander until it forms a fine paste. Rub this mixture over the catfish fillets to coat them evenly. Allow the fish to marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
-
Fry the Catfish:
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the marinated catfish fillets until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
-
Prepare the Spicy Sweet Sauce:
- Finely chop or crush the remaining three garlic cloves and bird’s eye chilies.
- In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and chilies until they release their aroma and turn lightly golden.
-
Combine and Simmer:
- Add a little water to the pan gradually, stirring as you go to help the spices meld. Place the fried catfish fillets back into the pan, gently stirring them into the sauce. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
-
Season the Sauce:
- Add salt, chicken seasoning powder, and sugar to the sauce. Taste and adjust according to your preference for sweetness, spice, and saltiness.
-
Cook and Serve:
- Continue cooking until the sauce has slightly thickened and coats the fish. Once the dish is ready, remove from heat and serve hot.
Enjoy your Spicy Sweet Catfish, a perfect combination of textures and flavors that’s sure to be a hit at any table!
