Spicy Starfruit Fish, or "Ikan Masak Belimbing" in Indonesian, is a tantalizing dish that combines the tanginess of starfruit with the succulence of fish, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. This traditional Indonesian recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes, making it a favorite among many.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of fish fillets (such as tilapia or snapper)
- 2-3 ripe starfruits, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 red chilies, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon of palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onions. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add sliced red chilies and stir-fry for another minute.
- Place the fish fillets into the pan and cook until they turn opaque, flipping once to ensure even cooking.
- Add the sliced starfruits, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and soy sauce to the pan. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Let the dish simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the starfruit to soften slightly.
- Season with salt to taste, and adjust the sweetness or sourness according to your preference.
- Once the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips:
- Choose ripe star fruits for maximum sweetness and tanginess.
- Adjust the amount of red chilies according to your spice tolerance.
- You can substitute palm sugar with brown sugar if unavailable.
- If fresh starfruit is not accessible, you can use canned or frozen starfruit slices.
Variations:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce.
- Experiment with different types of fish to find your favorite pairing with starfruit.
- Include other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added texture and color.
