Zesty Gurame Fish with Aromatic Vegetables
Acar Gurame
Acar Gurame is a delightful Indonesian dish featuring grilled gurame fish complemented by a vibrant vegetable medley and aromatic spices. This recipe encapsulates a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal choice for a festive meal or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gurame fish | 2 whole fish |
| Carrot | 1, sliced lengthwise |
| Young green beans | 5, trimmed |
| Shallots | 5, minced |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, minced |
| Ginger | To taste |
| Kencur (aromatic ginger) | To taste |
| Galangal | To taste |
| Turmeric | To taste |
| Candlenuts | 3, roasted and blended |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Ground coriander | To taste |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 3 leaves |
| Lemongrass | 2 stalks, bruised |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 4, whole |
| Tamarind water | 4-5 tablespoons |
| Water | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Seasoning | To taste |
| Oil for sautéing | As needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Clean the gurame fish thoroughly and cut each into two pieces; set aside.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the carrot lengthwise and trim the green beans; set them aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: Blend the shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, kencur, turmeric, and candlenuts until smooth.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan and sauté the blended spices along with the kaffir lime leaves and bruised lemongrass until fragrant and the oil begins to separate.
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Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrot, green beans, and whole bird’s eye chilies to the pan. Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables, then bring to a boil.
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Season the Dish: Season with salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste. Add the tamarind water and stir well.
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Cook the Fish: Gently place the fish pieces into the pot, allowing them to cook for several minutes. Carefully flip the fish 2-3 times to ensure even cooking without breaking them apart.
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Finish Cooking: Allow the dish to simmer until it reaches a boiling point and the fish is fully cooked. Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite.
Acar Gurame offers a unique culinary experience that is sure to impress and satisfy, making it an ultimate addition to your recipe repertoire!
