Asem Asem Bandeng: A Delicious Indonesian Fish Dish
Embark on a culinary adventure with Asem Asem Bandeng, a traditional Indonesian dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique combination of flavors and spices. This recipe features bandeng, or milkfish, infused with a medley of aromatic ingredients, resulting in a dish that is both savory and slightly tangy, perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milkfish (bandeng) | 2 small, deboned |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 5 pieces |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 3 cloves |
| Salam leaves | To taste |
| Lemongrass (sereh) | To taste |
| Galangal (laos) | To taste |
| Ginger (jahe) | To taste |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit) | 12 pieces |
| Turmeric powder (kunyit bubuk) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Seasoning (penyedap) | To taste |
| Starfruit (belimbing wuluh) | 5 medium-sized |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the milkfish thoroughly. Cut the fish into manageable pieces and set them aside to drain.
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Chop the Aromatics: In a separate bowl, finely chop the shallots and garlic. Also, slice 5 of the bird’s eye chilies. For the lemongrass and galangal, gently bruise them with the back of a knife to release their essential oils.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add in all the prepared ingredients, including the chopped shallots, garlic, remaining bird’s eye chilies, bruised lemongrass, galangal, ginger, and starfruit.
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Cooking Process: Carefully place the pieces of milkfish into the pot. Allow everything to simmer together for a few minutes. It’s essential to occasionally turn the fish gently to ensure that all the flavors meld beautifully.
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Taste and Adjust: After the fish has cooked through, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add salt, sugar, turmeric powder, and any additional seasonings as desired. If you prefer, you can also add a handful of fresh basil leaves (daun kemangi) at this stage for an extra fragrant touch.
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Finish and Serve: Once the flavors are balanced to your satisfaction, turn off the heat. Carefully lift the pot off the burner and serve the Asem Asem Bandeng hot, garnished with additional herbs if you like.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 200 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Sodium | Varies based on added salt |
Conclusion
Asem Asem Bandeng is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your table. The harmonious blend of spices and the freshness of the fish creates a delightful meal that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy it with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying dining experience. Happy cooking!
