Zesty Nila Acar Kuning: Spicy Fried Tilapia with Cucumber Delight

Nila Acar Kuning: A Flavorful Indonesian Dish

Nila Acar Kuning is a vibrant Indonesian dish that harmoniously combines the freshness of cucumbers with the rich flavors of fried tilapia, all enveloped in a fragrant turmeric and chili sauce. This recipe will take you on a delightful culinary journey, perfect for serving at gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Here’s how to prepare this exquisite dish.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the tilapia thoroughly under running water. Once cleaned, squeeze lime or lemon juice over the fish and sprinkle with coarse salt. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

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2. Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully fry the marinated fish until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 4-5 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the fish and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

3. Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers lengthwise, removing the seeds for a cleaner texture. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

4. Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, blend together the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chili, ground candlenuts, ground turmeric, and ground ginger until a smooth paste forms.

5. Sauté the Spices: In the same pan used for frying the fish, add a little more oil if needed. Add the spice paste and sauté it until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Incorporate the crushed lemongrass, sliced green onions, red chili, bird’s eye chili, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Continue cooking until everything is well combined and aromatic.

6. Simmer the Sauce: Add a splash of water to the sautéed spices, along with fine salt and flavor enhancer to taste. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, adjusting seasoning as necessary.

7. Combine Ingredients: Once the sauce has developed a rich flavor, add the cucumber slices and gently mix them in. Finally, place the fried tilapia back into the pan, gently stirring to coat the fish in the sauce.

8. Serve: Your Nila Acar Kuning is now ready to be served! Transfer it to a serving platter and enjoy the dish warm. This delightful combination of flavors and textures will surely impress your guests.

Nutritional Information

Nila Acar Kuning not only delights the palate but also brings a burst of colors to your dining table, making it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Enjoy this Indonesian delicacy and share it with loved ones for a truly memorable meal!