Garang Asem Ikan Nila
Garang Asem Ikan Nila is a delightful Indonesian dish that showcases the delicate flavors of tilapia fish simmered in a tangy, aromatic broth. With its refreshing sour notes and fragrant spices, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe complete with ingredient information, preparation steps, and nutritional insights to help you create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ikan Nila (Tilapia) | 1 kg (preferably head and tail only) |
| Asem (Tamarind) | 6 pieces |
| Daun Salam (Bay Leaves) | 2 leaves |
| Sereh (Lemongrass) | 1 stalk |
| Bawang Putih (Garlic) | 3 cloves |
| Bawang Merah (Shallots) | 3 pieces |
| Bawang Bombay (Onion) | 1 piece |
| Kunyit (Turmeric) | 5 cm |
| Jahe (Ginger) | 3 cm |
| Lengkuas (Galangal) | 3 cm |
| Garam (Salt) | to taste |
| Gula (Sugar) | to taste |
| Penyedap Rasa (Flavoring) | to taste |
| Cabe Merah (Red Chili) | 1, thinly sliced |
| Cabe Rawit (Bird’s Eye Chili) | 7 pieces |
| Air (Water) | sufficient amount |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large pot, bring sufficient water to a boil over medium heat. Make sure to use a pot that can accommodate the amount of water needed to fully submerge the fish and other ingredients. |
| 2 | Once the water is boiling, carefully add all the prepared ingredients: the ikan nila, asem, daun salam, sereh, bawang putih, bawang merah, bawang bombay, kunyit, jahe, and lengkuas. Stir gently to ensure even distribution of flavors. |
| 3 | Allow the mixture to simmer until the ikan nila is thoroughly cooked. This typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Check the fish for doneness by ensuring it flakes easily with a fork. |
| 4 | Once the fish is cooked, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning by adding garam, gula, and penyedap rasa according to your preference. The broth should balance the sourness from the tamarind with a hint of sweetness and saltiness. |
| 5 | After adjusting the flavors, sprinkle the sliced cabe merah and cabe rawit over the dish, allowing the heat from the chilis to infuse into the broth. |
| 6 | To finish, garnish with a generous sprinkle of bawang goreng (fried shallots) for added texture and flavor. |
| 7 | Serve hot, accompanied by steamed rice, and enjoy the delightful and aromatic Garang Asem Ikan Nila with your loved ones. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 180 |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | Varies based on seasoning |
| Sugar | Varies based on seasoning |
Tips for Success
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest ikan nila you can find, as this will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of cabe rawit based on your heat tolerance. For a milder version, reduce the number of chilis.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice or nasi uduk for a complete meal experience.
Garang Asem Ikan Nila embodies the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and delightful aromas as you savor this dish that truly represents the essence of Indonesian cooking!
