Pecak Ikan Mujaer: A Delicious Indonesian Fish Dish

Pecak Ikan Mujaer is a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian dish that highlights the delightful taste of fried fish, infused with a rich blend of spices and fresh herbs. This recipe not only celebrates the traditional flavors but also offers a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a healthy meal that can be shared with family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 500 grams (1/2 kg) ikan mujaer (or substitute with ikan mas/ikan gurame)
• Juice of 1 lime (Jeruk nipis)
• Salt (to taste)

For the Spice Blend:

• 100 grams roasted peanuts (kacang tanah goreng)
• 5 shallots (bawang merah)
• 3 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
• 3 red chilies (cabe merah kriting)
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah)
• 1 piece of kencur (a type of aromatic ginger)

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 green tomatoes (tomat ijo)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• Fresh basil leaves (daun kemangi) (to taste)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Cooking oil (for frying and sautéing)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Fish: Start by cleaning the fish thoroughly. Once cleaned, rub the fish with lime juice and a pinch of salt, allowing it to marinate for about 3 minutes. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps eliminate any fishy odor. After marinating, fry the fish in hot oil until it’s crispy and golden brown. Set aside.

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2. Make the Spice Blend: In a dry skillet, lightly roast the peanuts until fragrant, then set aside to cool. In the same skillet, add a bit of oil and sauté the shallots, garlic, red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies until they soften. After cooking, transfer these ingredients to a mortar and pestle or a blender, adding the roasted peanuts and kencur, and blend into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Sauce: In a clean wok or pan, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the spice paste you just prepared, stirring until it becomes fragrant and well-cooked. Incorporate the kaffir lime leaves and green tomatoes, stirring to combine.

4. Simmer with Seasonings: Add a splash of water to the pan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Season with sugar and salt, tasting as you go to achieve the desired balance of flavors.

5. Combine with Fish: Gently add the fried fish to the pan, ensuring it is coated with the sauce. Allow the dish to simmer until the fish is heated through and slightly wilted, absorbing all the wonderful flavors. Finally, stir in the fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

6. Serve: Once the fish is cooked through and well-coated with the fragrant sauce, remove it from the heat and serve immediately. Pecak Ikan Mujaer pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making for a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pecak Ikan Mujaer is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of Indonesian culinary traditions that you can bring to your kitchen. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients makes this dish a delightful centerpiece for any family gathering or dinner party. Enjoy the burst of flavors that this recipe brings to your table!