Ikan Gurame Acar Kuning: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Ikan Gurame Acar Kuning is a vibrant and flavorful dish that beautifully combines the richness of fried gurame fish with a fragrant yellow pickle sauce, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal. This recipe highlights the perfect balance of spices and fresh ingredients, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and visually appealing. Below, you will find a detailed guide to preparing this Indonesian culinary gem.

Ingredients

To prepare Ikan Gurame Acar Kuning, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Fish:

2 whole Gurame fish, cleaned and cut in half
1 cucumber, sliced
5 red chilies
10 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
3 bay leaves (daun salam)
1 packet chicken flavor seasoning (optional)
Green onions, chopped
Juice of 1 lime

For the Spice Paste:

10 shallots (bawang merah)
8 garlic cloves (bawang putih)
3 candlenuts (kemiri)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 pieces of turmeric (kunyit)
2 pieces of ginger (jahe)
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Fish

Begin by preparing the gurame fish. In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned and halved fish with the juice of one lime and a generous sprinkle of salt. Allow the fish to marinate for 15 minutes. This step not only enhances the flavor of the fish but also helps to tenderize it.

Step 2: Fry the Fish

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Gently place the marinated fish in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the fish until they are cooked through, being careful not to let them become too crispy—aim for a golden finish. Cooking in hot oil will prevent the fish from sticking to the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Spice Mixture

In another pan, add a bit of oil and heat it up. Add the ground spice paste along with the bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and chopped green onions. Sauté the mixture until it becomes aromatic and the spices are well-cooked.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cucumber

Once the spices are fragrant, add the sliced cucumber to the pan. Make sure to cut the cucumber into rectangular pieces and remove the seeds for a cleaner texture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 5: Season the Dish

Add salt and chicken flavor seasoning to the pan, adjusting to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, ensuring the cucumber is slightly softened yet retains its crunch.

Step 6: Combine the Fish and Sauce

Carefully add the fried gurame fish to the pan, gently mixing it with the spicy cucumber sauce. Toss until the fish is evenly coated with the sauce and all ingredients are well integrated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Your Ikan Gurame Acar Kuning is now ready to be served! This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion. Serve it alongside steamed rice for a complete meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Final Thoughts

Ikan Gurame Acar Kuning is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine to your table. The combination of fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and aromatic spices creates a delightful balance that is both satisfying and nourishing. Whether for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish will surely shine as a standout centerpiece. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delicious recipe!