Sweet Soy Braised Milkfish: Pindang Bandeng Kuah Kecap

Pindang Bandeng Kuah Kecap

Embark on a culinary journey with this delightful Pindang Bandeng Kuah Kecap, a flavorful Indonesian dish featuring succulent milkfish in a fragrant sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe brings the essence of traditional cooking right to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 medium milkfish (Ikan Bandeng)
• 2 stalks lemongrass (smashed)
• 2 bay leaves (crumpled)
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 segments turmeric (sliced)
• 1 segment ginger (sliced)
• 7 shallots (sliced)
• 6 cloves garlic (sliced)
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (sliced)
• 3 curly red chilies (sliced)
• 6 starfruit (cut in half)
• 2 tablespoons Kecap Bango (sweet soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 packet Royco chicken seasoning
• Water, as needed
• Oil, for sautéing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Begin by cleaning the milkfish thoroughly. Scrape off the scales until the skin is smooth, then cut the fish into five pieces. Remove the innards and discard the gills. Rinse the fish well and marinate it with lime juice and a sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavor.

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2. Slice the Aromatics:
   While the fish is marinating, slice the garlic, shallots, ginger, turmeric, and chilies. The fresh ingredients will form the aromatic base of your dish.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a frying pan, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced aromatics and sauté until fragrant. Next, introduce the smashed lemongrass, crumpled bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Continue to sauté until the aroma fills your kitchen.

4. Build the Broth:
   Pour in enough water to create a broth, then add the salt, sugar, Royco chicken seasoning, and Kecap Bango. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

5. Cook the Fish:
   Gently place the marinated milkfish into the bubbling broth. Cook until the fish is slightly tender and has turned a lovely golden hue, allowing the flavors to permeate the fish.

6. Add the Starfruit:
   Incorporate the starfruit into the pot, simmering until the fruit is slightly softened, imparting a unique tanginess to the dish.

7. Taste and Serve:
   Once the flavors are harmonized to your liking, turn off the heat. Your Pindang Bandeng Kuah Kecap is now ready to be served. Enjoy this delightful dish with steamed rice for a complete meal.

This vibrant recipe not only captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine but also makes for a hearty dish that can be enjoyed with family and friends. Serve hot and relish every flavorful bite!