Kakap Merah Kuah Kemangi: A Delightful Indonesian Dish
This vibrant Kakap Merah Kuah Kemangi, or Red Snapper in Basil Sauce, is a delightful Indonesian dish that captures the essence of fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. With tender pieces of fish complemented by aromatic basil and a spicy kick, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 whole red snapper (approximately 1 kg), cut into 4 pieces
- 4 bunches of fresh basil leaves (daun kemangi)
- 6 shallots, thinly sliced
- 5 pieces of tamarind (asam jawa)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 8 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), sliced
- Salt and sugar, to taste
- Seasoning powder, as desired
- Water, as needed for the broth
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the red snapper thoroughly, then cut it into four manageable pieces. This will ensure that each piece cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the broth.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or wok, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and bird’s eye chilies, sautéing them until they are fragrant and the shallots are soft and translucent.
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Create the Broth: Pour in enough water to cover the fish, adjusting the quantity based on your preference for broth thickness. Once the water starts to steam, add the tamarind and turmeric powder, stirring to combine.
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Cook the Fish: Allow the broth to come to a rolling boil, then gently add the fish pieces into the pot. Cook until the fish is fully cooked through and tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the pieces.
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Add Fresh Basil: Just before serving, fold in the fresh basil leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly in the hot broth. This step enhances the dish with fresh, aromatic notes.
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Season to Taste: Finally, season the dish with salt, sugar, and your choice of seasoning powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
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Serve: Once everything is well combined and the flavors have melded beautifully, ladle the Kakap Merah Kuah Kemangi into serving bowls. This dish is best enjoyed hot, accompanied by steamed rice to soak up the delicious broth.
Tips for Perfection
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh fish and basil will elevate the flavors of this dish, making it more vibrant and appealing.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of bird’s eye chilies according to your heat preference. For a milder version, reduce the quantity or deseed the chilies.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your Kakap Merah Kuah Kemangi, a dish that beautifully embodies the spirit of Indonesian cuisine, bringing warmth and comfort to any dining table.
