Pesmol Ikan Mas ala Mamak Aidan: A Delicious Indonesian Fish Dish
Pesmol Ikan Mas, a delightful Indonesian fish dish, is renowned for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. This recipe, inspired by Mamak Aidan, will guide you through creating a flavorful, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for serving alongside warm rice. Here’s how to prepare this traditional dish with ease.
Ingredients
To prepare Pesmol Ikan Mas, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized carp (ikan mas)
- 500 ml boiled water
- Oil for frying the fish, plus a little extra for sautéing
- 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
- Salt to taste
- Sugar and seasoning (according to preference; I recommend Royco chicken seasoning)
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
- 1 stalk green onion (daun bawang)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (smashed)
- 2 cm galangal (lengkuas, smashed)
- 4 pieces of bay leaves (daun salam)
- 1/2 tomato (sliced)
Spices to be ground:
- 7 shallots (bawang merah)
- 4 garlic cloves (bawang putih)
- 3 roasted candlenuts (kemiri)
- 2 cm turmeric (kunyit, burned)
- 4 curly red chilies (cabe merah keriting)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fish
Start by cleaning the carp thoroughly. Squeeze the juice of the lime over the fish and sprinkle with salt. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors. -
Fry the Fish
Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the marinated fish until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, adjusting the frying time to your desired level of doneness. -
Sauté the Ground Spices
In a separate pan, heat a bit of oil and add the ground spices. Stir in the smashed lemongrass, galangal, and bay leaves, sautéing until fragrant and the spices are well-cooked. The roasting of the candlenuts and the burning of the turmeric enhance the flavors, allowing them to mature faster, as my mother always says. -
Add Water and Season
Once the spices are aromatic, pour in the boiled water. Add salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste, adjusting according to your preferences. -
Incorporate Vegetables
Add the sliced tomato and bird’s eye chilies to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil. Then, gently place the fried fish into the pot, allowing them to soak in the sauce for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. -
Finish with Green Onion
Finally, add the chopped green onion and give the mixture a gentle stir to combine everything well.
Serving Suggestion
Serve the Pesmol Ikan Mas hot with steaming white rice for a satisfying meal that embodies the heart of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your loved ones, and savor the delicious combination of spices and textures that make this recipe a treasured favorite!
This Pesmol Ikan Mas recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and love, perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Happy cooking! ❤️
