Grilled Gurame Fish with Sambal Matah
Discover the vibrant flavors of Indonesia with this delightful recipe for Grilled Gurame Fish served alongside a refreshing Sambal Matah. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate a balance of savory and spicy notes, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Let’s dive into the preparation and ingredients needed for this culinary treat.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Gurame Fish:
- 2 pieces of cleaned Gurame fish (also known as Gouramy or Osphronemus goramy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime (adjust according to preference) for marinating
For the Sambal Matah:
- 8-9 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 stalk of lemongrass, thinly sliced
- 8-9 bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced (adjust for desired spiciness)
- ½ sachet of shrimp paste (terasi)
- Cooking oil, as needed
- Seasoning to taste (optional)
- Juice of ½ lime (for added zest)
Preparation Steps
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Marinate the Fish: Begin by rubbing the Gurame fish thoroughly with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Allow the fish to marinate for about 15 minutes. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the fish.
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Prepare the Sambal Matah: While the fish is marinating, it’s time to prepare the vibrant Sambal Matah. Start by slicing the shallots, lemongrass, and bird’s eye chilies. In a small pan, heat a little cooking oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp paste (terasi) and stir-fry until it’s well mixed and fragrant.
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Combine the Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed shrimp paste into a bowl containing the sliced shallots, lemongrass, and chilies. Drizzle with a bit more oil, then season with a pinch of salt and additional seasoning if desired. Finally, add the juice of half a lime, mixing everything well to combine. Your Sambal Matah is now ready!
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Grill the Fish: Grill the marinated Gurame fish until cooked through and beautifully charred. You can also opt to pan-fry the fish if grilling isn’t an option. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the heat.
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Serve: Plate the grilled Gurame fish and generously top it with the fresh Sambal Matah. This dish is best enjoyed immediately, showcasing the delightful combination of flavors.
Enjoy Your Meal
Grilled Gurame Fish with Sambal Matah is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of Indonesian culinary heritage. The balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors will surely make this dish a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy your delicious creation and share the love of cooking!