Tangy Indonesian Belanak Fish Stew

Asem-Asem Belanak: A Flavorful Indonesian Fish Stew

This traditional Indonesian dish, Asem-Asem Belanak, brings a delightful blend of tangy, spicy, and aromatic flavors to your table. Made with belanak fish, a type of mullet, this recipe combines various fresh spices and herbs to create a savory and slightly sour stew. Perfect for family meals, this dish is both comforting and exotic.

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg belanak fish (cleaned and prepared)
• 6 shallots (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1 piece of galangal (crushed)
• 1 piece of turmeric (crushed)
• 1 piece of ginger (crushed)
• 7 starfruit (sliced)
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (whole)
• 1 piece of tamarind (to taste)
• Salt and granulated sugar to taste
• Seasoning powder (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a touch of oil. Sauté the sliced shallots until they become fragrant and translucent.

2. Cook the Spices: Add the crushed garlic, galangal, turmeric, and ginger to the pan. Continue to sauté until the mixture is well-blended and aromatic.

3. Add the Starfruit: Incorporate the sliced starfruit into the pan. Cook until the starfruit begins to soften and release its juices.

4. Simmer the Stew: Transfer all the sautéed ingredients into a large pot. Add enough water to cover the fish. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the fish is tender and cooked through.

5. Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, and seasoning powder according to your preference. Add the whole bird’s eye chilies for an extra kick and stir in the tamarind to enhance the dish’s tanginess.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the fish is fully cooked and the flavors are well-balanced, remove the pot from heat. Serve the Asem-Asem Belanak hot, accompanied by steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

This recipe brings a unique taste of Indonesian cuisine to your table, perfect for those who love rich, flavorful stews with a hint of sourness and spice. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite!