Ikan Kuah Asam
Timorese Sour Fish Soup
Ikan Kuah Asam is a refreshing and tangy fish soup, a staple in Timor-Leste's coastal cuisine. It features tender pieces of fish simmered in a clear, flavorful broth with a distinct sourness from tamarind or bilimbi, balanced by aromatic herbs and spices. This light yet satisfying soup is perfect for a warm day.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Firm white fish fillets (e.g., snapper, mackerel, grouper), cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp Tamarind paste
- 4 cups Water
- 5 Shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 inch piece Turmeric, grated
- 1 inch piece Ginger, grated
- 2 Bird's eye chilies, slit (optional)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass, bruised
- 1 medium Tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar (optional, to balance sourness)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or spring onions, chopped, for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, mix the tamarind paste with about 1/4 cup of warm water. Stir well and strain to get the tamarind juice, discarding the solids.
💡 Tip: Adjust the amount of tamarind paste to your preferred level of sourness. - 2
In a pot, combine the water, sliced shallots, sliced garlic, grated turmeric, grated ginger, bruised lemongrass, and chilies (if using). Bring to a boil.
💡 Tip: Using fresh turmeric and ginger will yield a more vibrant flavor and color. - 3
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the aromatics to infuse the broth.
💡 Tip: This simmering step helps to mellow the raw flavors of the spices. - 4
Add the fish chunks to the pot. Gently stir to submerge them in the broth. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcooking the fish, as it can become dry and break apart too easily. - 5
Stir in the tamarind juice, tomato wedges, and lime juice. Season with salt and a pinch of sugar (if using) to balance the flavors.
💡 Tip: The sugar is optional but can help round out the sourness of the tamarind and lime. - 6
Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes have slightly softened and the flavors have melded.
💡 Tip: The soup should have a clear broth with a pleasant sour and savory taste. - 7
Remove the lemongrass stalk before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped spring onions.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately with steamed rice for a complete meal.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If tamarind paste is unavailable, you can use bilimbi (star fruit) or a combination of lime and a little vinegar for sourness.
- ✓Other vegetables like long beans or okra can be added for extra texture and nutrition.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a small piece of dried shrimp or a dash of fish sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some variations include a small amount of coconut milk for a creamier broth, though the traditional version is clear.
- Add a few slices of pineapple for a different kind of sweet and sour note.
- For a spicier soup, add more chilies or a pinch of chili flakes.