Spicy Stewed Tilapia (Pindang Ikan Nila)
Main Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Tilapia fish | 3 whole fish |
| Water | 800 ml |
Complementary Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Scallions | 1 stalk |
| Red tomato (sliced) | 1 piece |
| Green tomato (sliced) | 1 piece |
| Pineapple | ½ piece |
| Basil leaves | 2 stalks |
Spice Paste (to be ground):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots | 8 cloves |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Red chilies | 4 pieces |
| Turmeric | 2.5 cm |
Additional Seasonings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaffir lime leaves | 2 leaves |
| Ginger (crushed) | 2 cm |
| Galangal (crushed) | 2 cm |
| Lemongrass (crushed) | 1 stalk |
| Salt | 1 tsp (to taste) |
| Sugar | ½ tsp |
| Sweet soy sauce | ½ tbsp |
| Kandis sour fruit extract (soaked and filtered) | 1 tbsp |
Cooking Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fish:
Begin by cleaning the tilapia fish thoroughly. Rub each fish with salt and a little lime or lemon juice to reduce any fishy odor. Set them aside to rest for a few minutes. -
Boil the Water:
In a large pot, bring 800 ml of water to a rolling boil. Once it reaches a boil, add the ground spice paste (shallots, garlic, red chilies, and turmeric) along with the additional seasonings (kaffir lime leaves, ginger, galangal, and lemongrass). -
Simmer the Broth:
Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat until the aromatic spices release their fragrance, which should take about 5–10 minutes. Taste the broth to ensure the spices are well-blended, adjusting the salt and sugar to your liking. -
Cook the Fish and Pineapple:
Carefully add the cleaned tilapia fish into the pot, followed by the pineapple slices. Cook for a few minutes until the fish is fully cooked through, but be cautious not to overcook, as tilapia is delicate and can fall apart easily. -
Add Complementary Ingredients:
Once the fish is cooked, gently stir in the scallions, sliced red and green tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Let these ingredients meld with the broth for another minute or two, giving a final taste check. -
Finish and Serve:
After the flavors have melded perfectly, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the stew to sit for a few minutes so the fish absorbs all the flavors. Once everything is perfectly seasoned, your Spicy Stewed Tilapia is ready to be served.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this flavorful and aromatic fish stew with warm steamed rice for a complete and hearty meal.
Enjoy your delicious Pindang Ikan Nila, a delightful Indonesian dish that blends rich spices with the freshness of tomatoes and pineapple, bringing a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes to the table!
