Nila Acar Kuning: A Delicious Indonesian Dish

Ingredients

• 4 pieces of Nile tilapia (Ikan Nila)
• 2 medium cucumbers (add more if you like)
• Juice of 1 orange (or more as needed)
• Coarse salt (to taste)
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit; add more for extra heat)
• 3 red chilies (cabe merah)
• 2 stalks of green onions (daun bawang)
• 3 stalks of lemongrass (sereh)
• 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)

Ground Spice Paste

• 10 shallots (bawang merah)
• 8 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
• Bird’s eye chilies (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground candlenuts (kemiri halus)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (kunyit halus)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (jahe halus)
• Ground pepper (to taste)
• Fine salt (to taste)
• Flavor enhancer (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Fish: Begin by washing the Nile tilapia thoroughly, then marinate with the juice of an orange and coarse salt. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the fish.

2. Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fish.

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3. Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers lengthwise and remove the seeds. This will prevent excess moisture in your dish and keep it crisp.

4. Make the Spice Paste: In a blender or mortar and pestle, grind the shallots, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies until smooth. This aromatic paste will be the heart of your dish.

5. Chop the Vegetables: Roughly chop the green onions, bird’s eye chilies, and red chilies to add a fresh kick to your acar.

6. Sauté the Spices: In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the ground spice paste. Add the lemongrass, chopped green onions, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté until fragrant and the spices are cooked through.

7. Create the Sauce: Add a splash of water to the sautéed spices, then season with fine salt and flavor enhancer (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

8. Combine Ingredients: Once the sauce is ready, add the cucumber slices and fried fish to the pan. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the fish is well-coated with the aromatic sauce.

9. Serve: Your Nila Acar Kuning is now ready to be served! Enjoy this vibrant dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

Nila Acar Kuning is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines the freshness of cucumbers with the savory flavors of fried fish and aromatic spices. This recipe not only embodies the essence of Indonesian cooking but also brings a touch of warmth and comfort to your dining table. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and delicious taste. Enjoy every bite!