Sweet and Sour Gurame (Gurame Asam Manis)
Ingredients:
- 1 whole gurame (garfish), cleaned and cut into pieces (you can also use kakap or another similar fish)
- 4 shallots, peeled
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 red chilies, seeds removed
- 1-inch piece of turmeric, peeled
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or oyster sauce
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending the shallots, garlic, red chilies, turmeric, and ginger together until you achieve a smooth paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this step.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Kaffir Lime Leaves: Once the spice paste has released its aroma, add the kaffir lime leaves. Stir and cook for another minute to infuse the flavors.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the sugar, salt, and soy sauce (or oyster sauce). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Cook the Fish: Gently place the pieces of gurame into the pan. Allow the fish to cook through, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish pieces.
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Add Pineapple: Once the fish is nearly cooked, add the pineapple chunks to the pan. Continue to cook until the pineapple is tender and the fish is fully cooked.
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Final Adjustments: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more sugar or salt according to your preference.
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Serve: Transfer the sweet and sour gurame to a serving dish. Garnish with additional kaffir lime leaves if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a standalone dish.
This delightful Sweet and Sour Gurame combines the savory depth of the fish with the vibrant flavors of pineapple and aromatic spices, making it a flavorful centerpiece for any meal. Enjoy the balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes in every bite!
