Spicy Steamed Nile Tilapia (Brengkes Ikan Nila Pedas)
Ingredients:
- 2 Nile tilapia fish (about 250 grams each, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- For the spice paste (can be roughly chopped):
- 6 shallots
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 5 cm ginger
- 10 cm turmeric
- 2 stalks lemongrass (crushed)
- 4 whole bay leaves
- 2 whole kaffir lime leaves
- Banana leaves for wrapping
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending all the spice ingredients—shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves—into a smooth paste, setting aside the lemon juice for later.
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Marinate the Fish: In a bowl, soak the tilapia in lemon juice for about 5 minutes to help eliminate any fishy odor.
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Prepare the Fish for Cooking: Make a slit down the center of each fish, then generously rub the spice paste all over, including inside the slits.
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Wrap the Fish: Using the banana leaves, wrap each fish securely, ensuring they are well enclosed.
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Steam the Fish: Place the wrapped fish in a steamer and steam until cooked through, approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the fish.
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Grill for Extra Flavor: After steaming, grill the fish on a stovetop grill for a few minutes to achieve a smoky, charred flavor.
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Serve: Enjoy your spicy steamed Nile tilapia hot, perfect for a delicious meal shared with family and friends!
This vibrant dish not only showcases the delightful flavors of the spices but also provides a healthy and satisfying option for your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!
