Nila Pedas Manis: Sweet and Spicy Nile Perch Recipe
Ingredients
- Salt, to taste
- 4 bird’s eye chilies
- 1 clove garlic
- 5 shallots
- 1/2 piece palm sugar
- A pinch of shrimp paste
- 1 tomato
- 1/2 kg Nile perch
- Soy sauce, to taste
- Water, as needed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 cm turmeric
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Start by washing the Nile perch thoroughly under cold water, ensuring it’s clean and ready for cooking.
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Fry the Fish: Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the Nile perch and fry until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Set aside the fried fish on a plate.
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Prepare the Spice Mixture: While the fish is frying, prepare your spices. Some will need to be crushed, while others should be sliced. Begin by crushing the bird’s eye chilies, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste in a mortar and pestle for a fragrant base.
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Slice the Aromatics: Thinly slice the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, ensuring their aromatic flavors will infuse the dish beautifully.
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Cook the Spice Paste: In the same pan, sauté the ground spices until fragrant. Then, add water and bring it to a boil. This will create a flavorful broth that complements the fish.
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Combine the Ingredients: Once the mixture is boiling, add the sliced lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and tomato to the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors.
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Add the Fish: Gently place the fried Nile perch into the pot, ensuring each piece is coated with the rich spice mixture. Allow it to simmer, giving the flavors time to meld together and penetrate the fish.
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Finish and Serve: Cook until the sauce thickens and the flavors are well integrated, then adjust seasoning with soy sauce and salt as needed. Serve your Nila Pedas Manis hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Enjoy Your Dish
This vibrant and flavorful Nila Pedas Manis brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, showcasing the delightful flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, it’s sure to impress!
