Indonesian lamb recipes

Zesty Tilapia in Coconut Turmeric Sauce (Acar Ikan Nila Bumbu Kuning)

Published
Sep 22, 2024
Reading time
2 min
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Acar Ikan Nila Bumbu Kuning

Dive into the delightful world of Indonesian cuisine with this vibrant Acar Ikan Nila Bumbu Kuning. This dish features tender tilapia fish infused with a rich, aromatic sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Perfectly balanced with spices and fresh vegetables, this recipe is not just a feast for the palate but also for the eyes.

Ingredients

For the Fish

  • 1 medium-sized tilapia fish, cleaned and prepared
  • 4 red chilies
  • 3 green chilies
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced to your liking
  • 1 medium cucumber, deseeded and sliced
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • 1 piece of galangal, bruised
  • 250 grams coconut milk
  • Sufficient water
  • Salt and seasoning to taste
  • Sugar to taste

For the Spice Paste

  • 20 bird’s eye chilies
  • 7 shallots
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 piece of turmeric
  • 1/2 inch ginger
  • 3 candlenuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Begin by frying the cleaned tilapia until golden brown. This step adds a lovely texture and flavor to the fish.

  2. Sauté the Spices: In a separate pan, heat some oil and sauté the spice paste until fragrant. Add the kaffir lime leaves, bruised lemongrass, and galangal, allowing the aromas to meld together beautifully.

  3. Add Vegetables: Toss in the sliced carrots and cucumbers, stirring for a moment to combine. The vegetables should still retain some crunch for added texture.

  4. Incorporate Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk, followed by a splash of water to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and sugar to your preference. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens slightly.

  5. Serve: Once the sauce is ready, turn off the heat and generously ladle the rich sauce over the fried tilapia. This finishing touch ensures the fish is both flavorful and moist.

  6. Enjoy: Your Acar Ikan Nila Bumbu Kuning is now ready to serve! This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Happy Cooking! 😘

Feel free to share this vibrant recipe with family and friends, inviting them to explore the delicious flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy every bite!