Sup Asam Ikan Gabus: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Sup Asam Ikan Gabus, or Sour Snakehead Fish Soup, is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Indonesia in a comforting broth. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy bold tastes and aromatic spices, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. Here’s how to prepare this delicious soup with easily accessible ingredients.

Ingredients

To create this delectable Sup Asam Ikan Gabus, you will need:

8 Snakehead Fish (Ikan Gabus), cut into 2 or 3 pieces depending on size
1 Lime, juiced over the cleaned fish to eliminate any fishy smell
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
3 Shallots, sliced
1 Stalk Lemongrass, bruised
2 cm Fresh Turmeric, bruised
2 cm Ginger, bruised
2 cm Galangal, bruised
3 Bay Leaves
3 Kaffir Lime Leaves
5 Red Chilies, sliced diagonally, about ½ cm thick
5 Starfruit (Belimbing Wuluh), sliced diagonally, about ½ cm thick
1 Tomato, diced
Fish Sauce, to taste
Salt, to taste
A pinch of Sugar
Water, as needed
Oil, for sautéing

Steps to Prepare

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Begin by squeezing the lime juice over the cleaned snakehead fish pieces. This step is essential to remove any unwanted fishy odor, ensuring that your dish has a fresh and inviting aroma.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become fragrant and golden brown. This foundational step enhances the overall flavor of your soup.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Once the shallots and garlic are fragrant, introduce the bruised galangal, ginger, turmeric, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass into the pot. Stir the mixture continuously until the spices are well combined and aromatic. Finally, add the sliced red chilies for an extra kick of heat.

Step 4: Create the Broth

Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This forms the flavorful broth that will infuse the fish with delicious taste.

Step 5: Cook the Fish

Gently place the snakehead fish pieces into the boiling broth. Add the fish sauce, salt, sugar, starfruit slices, and diced tomato. Stir everything together to ensure even seasoning. Cook until the fish is thoroughly cooked and has changed color, indicating it is done.

Step 6: Adjust and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Once satisfied, your Sup Asam Ikan Gabus is ready to be served. This vibrant and aromatic dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Enjoy the rich flavors of this traditional Indonesian recipe, which beautifully showcases the unique taste of snakehead fish alongside a medley of spices and fresh ingredients. Perfect for a cozy meal, Sup Asam Ikan Gabus is a dish that embodies the essence of home cooking with love.