Tangy Sweet Patin Fish Delight: Ikan Patin Asam Manis Recipe

Ikan Patin Asam Manis: A Delightful Sweet and Sour Patin Fish Dish

Indulge in the vibrant and mouthwatering flavors of Ikan Patin Asam Manis, a traditional Indonesian dish that beautifully balances the sweet and tangy notes with the rich, succulent taste of patin fish. Perfectly paired with fragrant herbs and spices, this dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also makes for a visually appealing centerpiece at your dining table. Let’s embark on a culinary journey that brings the heart of Indonesia into your kitchen with this exquisite recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare this flavorful dish:

Ground Spices:

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your Ikan Patin Asam Manis dish, ensuring each flavor is perfectly balanced for a delightful meal:

1. Preparation of the Fish: Begin by squeezing the juice of one lime over the cleaned patin fish pieces. Allow them to marinate for about 5 minutes. This process not only adds flavor but also helps to neutralize any fishy odor. After marinating, lightly fry the fish in vegetable oil until they are slightly browned. This should take only a few minutes; you want them to be golden but not fully cooked through, as they will simmer later.

2. Sautéing the Spices: In a large pan or wok, heat a drizzle of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground spices: turmeric, coriander, shallots, garlic, and ginger. Sauté these aromatic ingredients until they are fragrant and well-cooked, about 3-5 minutes. Next, introduce the bay leaf, bruised lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, stirring well to combine and releasing their essential oils.

3. Creating the Broth: Pour approximately 1 liter of water into the pan and stir in the tamarind pieces. Season the broth with salt, pepper, sugar, and your preferred seasoning to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer for a few minutes so that the flavors meld together beautifully. Add the sliced red chili peppers and whole bird’s eye chilies for an extra kick.

4. Cooking the Fish: Gently place the fried fish into the simmering broth. Allow the fish to cook thoroughly, letting the flavors infuse and the fish absorb the delicious sauce, approximately 10-15 minutes. Be sure to occasionally spoon the broth over the fish to ensure even flavor distribution.

5. Finishing Touches: When the fish is nearly cooked through, add the basil leaves and diced tomato to the pan. Stir gently to combine, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly while preserving their shape. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and the fish is tender.

6. Serving: Your Ikan Patin Asam Manis is now ready to be served! Dish out the fish along with the rich broth, garnishing with extra basil leaves if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, allowing you to savor every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Nutritional Information

To ensure you’re making informed choices, here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Ikan Patin Asam Manis (calculated based on typical serving sizes):

Ikan Patin Asam Manis is a delightful representation of Indonesian cuisine, bursting with flavors that will satisfy your taste buds while showcasing the elegance of this dish. Enjoy the harmonious balance of sweet and sour elements, alongside the tender and flaky fish, and share this culinary masterpiece with friends and family for a truly memorable dining experience!