If you are a fan of Thai cuisine and love the flavors of fresh seafood, then you must try this mouthwatering recipe for Ikan Kerapu Masak Ala Thai. This Thai-style grouper dish is bursting with bold and vibrant flavors that will leave you craving for more. With a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and sour, this dish is a true delight for your taste buds.
Thai cuisine is known for its unique combination of flavors and the skillful use of herbs and spices. The use of lemongrass, lime leaves, and Thai bird's eye chilies gives this dish its distinct aroma and spicy kick. The grouper fish, also known as ikan kerapu, is a popular choice for this recipe as its firm and succulent flesh absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole grouper fish (about 1.5 kg)
- 4 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 6 kaffir lime leaves
- 4 Thai bird's eye chilies, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
For this authentic Thai-style grouper recipe, you will need some key ingredients that are readily available in most Asian grocery stores or supermarkets. The star of the dish is, of course, the grouper fish. Look for a fresh and high-quality whole grouper fish, weighing around 1.5 kg, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
To infuse the dish with the aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine, you will need lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai bird's eye chilies, garlic, and shallots. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The lemongrass should be bruised to release its essential oils, while the kaffir lime leaves should be torn to release their citrusy aroma.
The sauce for this Thai-style grouper recipe is made from a combination of fish sauce, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. Fish sauce, a staple in Thai cooking, adds a savory and umami flavor to the dish. Tamarind paste, made from the pulp of the tamarind fruit, gives the sauce a tangy and slightly sour taste. Palm sugar, derived from the sap of palm trees, provides a natural sweetness that balances the spiciness of the chilies.
Instructions:
- Clean and scale the grouper fish, then make shallow cuts on both sides.
- In a large wok or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and sliced Thai bird's eye chilies. Stir-fry for a minute.
- In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. Pour the mixture into the wok and stir well.
- Add the grouper fish to the wok and coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Cover the wok and let the fish cook for about 10 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
- Once cooked, transfer the fish to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve the Ikan Kerapu Masak Ala Thai hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to dive into the cooking process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and authentic Ikan Kerapu Masak Ala Thai:
Cleaning and Preparing the Grouper Fish
Start by cleaning the grouper fish thoroughly. Remove any scales by scraping them off using a knife. Once the fish is scaled, make shallow cuts on both sides of the fish. These cuts will allow the flavors of the sauce to penetrate the flesh and ensure even cooking.
Preparing the Aromatic Base
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced shallots. Sauté them until they become fragrant and slightly golden. The combination of garlic and shallots adds a sweet and savory aroma to the dish.
Infusing the Flavors
Add the bruised lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, and sliced Thai bird's eye chilies to the wok. Stir-fry these aromatic ingredients for about a minute to release their flavors and aromas. The lemongrass adds a refreshing citrusy note, while the kaffir lime leaves contribute a unique and distinctive fragrance to the dish. The Thai bird's eye chilies bring the spiciness that Thai cuisine is famous for.
Creating the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. Stir until the palm sugar is dissolved, creating a smooth and well-combined sauce. The fish sauce adds a salty and savory element, while the tamarind paste provides a tangy and slightly sour taste. The palm sugar balances out the flavors with its natural sweetness.
Coating the Grouper Fish
Pour the sauce mixture into the wok with the aromatic base and stir well. Make sure the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. The combination of the aromatic base and the flavorful sauce will infuse the grouper fish with a burst of taste. Allow the fish to soak up the sauce for a few seconds, ensuring that every inch of the fish is covered.
Cooking the Grouper Fish
Cover the wok with a lid and let the grouper fish cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish. To check if the fish is cooked through, insert a fork into the thickest part of the flesh. It should easily flake off and appear opaque. Be careful not to overcook the fish as it may become dry.
Garnishing and Serving
Once the grouper fish is cooked, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. The cilantro leaves complement the flavors of the dish and provide a pleasing visual appeal. Serve the Ikan Kerapu Masak Ala Thai hot with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Nutrition:
Calories: 250 per serving
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 5g
In conclusion, Ikan Kerapu Masak Ala Thai is a delectable Thai-style grouper recipe that combines the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with the freshness of seafood. With its spicy, sweet, and sour sauce, this dish is a true explosion of flavors. Whether you are a seafood lover or simply enjoy the vibrant tastes of Thai cuisine, this recipe is a must-try. So, gather the ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to the streets of Thailand.