Ikan Masak Asam Pedas
A flavorful and tangy fish stew, Ikan Masak Asam Pedas is a popular Bruneian dish featuring fish cooked in a spicy and sour tamarind-based broth with a blend of aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Firm white fish fillets(such as snapper, mackerel, or cod, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 8 medium Shallots(peeled and roughly chopped)
- 2 large Garlic cloves(peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 small Fresh red chili(deseeded and roughly chopped (adjust to taste))
- 0.5 tsp Shrimp paste (belacan)(optional, toasted)
- 2 tbsp Tamarind paste
- 0.5 cup Warm water
- 1.5 tsp Sugar(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 thin slice Onion(separated into rings, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rub the fish pieces with turmeric powder and salt. Set aside.
- 2
In a food processor or blender, combine the shallots, garlic, fresh chili, and shrimp paste (if using). Blend into a thick paste. Add a tablespoon of oil if needed to help with blending.
- 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the blended paste and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
In a small bowl, mix the tamarind paste with warm water. Add this tamarind mixture to the saucepan with the sautéed paste. Stir in the sugar and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 5
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned fish pieces and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- 6
Transfer the fried fish to a serving platter. Spoon the tamarind sauce generously over the fish. Garnish with thin onion rings.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier dish, add more fresh chilies or a pinch of chili powder to the paste.
- ✓Ensure the fish is firm-fleshed to prevent it from breaking apart during cooking.
- ✓Adjust the sugar and salt to balance the sourness of the tamarind.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like okra or long beans to the sauce during the simmering stage.
- Use different types of seafood like prawns or squid.