Mujaer Bumbu Acar Kuning: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Dish

Embark on a culinary adventure with Mujaer Bumbu Acar Kuning, a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian dish that showcases the unique taste of mujaer fish, also known as tilapia. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, bringing together the rich flavors of spices, fresh ingredients, and a tangy kick. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Fish:

• 2 whole mujaer (tilapia), cleaned and left whole
• Juice of 1 lime, for marinating
• Salt, to taste
• Sufficient cooking oil, for frying

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 shallots, peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 candlenuts, toasted
• 1 inch turmeric, roasted

For the Sauce:

• 10 green bird’s eye chilies, whole
• 1 large red chili, seeds removed and sliced lengthwise
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn (remove the stem)
• Water, as needed
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Mushroom broth powder, to taste
• Vinegar, to taste

Steps

1. Preparation of the Fish:
   Begin by thoroughly washing the mujaer fish and making three shallow cuts on each side to ensure even cooking. Marinate the fish with salt and lime juice, allowing it to rest for about 30 minutes. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the fish. After marinating, fry the fish in hot oil until it is cooked through but avoid overcooking to retain its moisture. Set aside.

2. Making the Spice Mixture:
   In a skillet, heat a sufficient amount of oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste ingredients—shallots, garlic, candlenuts, and turmeric—and sauté until fragrant and golden. This forms the aromatic base of your dish.

3. Creating the Sauce:
   To the sautéed spices, add the whole bird’s eye chilies and sliced red chili, along with the torn kaffir lime leaves. Pour in enough water to create a sauce and season it with salt, sugar, black pepper, mushroom broth powder, and vinegar. Adjust the flavors to your liking, ensuring a balance of savory and tangy notes.

4. Combining the Fish with the Sauce:
   Gently place the fried mujaer fish into the skillet, allowing it to simmer in the flavorful sauce until the liquid reduces slightly. This step helps the fish absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.

5. Serving:
   Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors melded together, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the mujaer to a serving platter, drizzling the aromatic sauce over the top.

Enjoy!

This Mujaer Bumbu Acar Kuning is best enjoyed with steamed rice, providing a perfect balance to the vibrant flavors of the dish. Feel free to adjust the chili amounts according to your family’s spice tolerance; the whole chilies can remain intact to cater to those who prefer milder flavors. Dive into this delightful recipe and bring a taste of Indonesia to your dining table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Happy cooking! 🌟