>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, today we will talk about one of the most popular dishes in Indonesia, ikan or fish. As an archipelago country, Indonesia is blessed with varieties of fresh fish and also various ways to cook it. At first glance, cooking fish may seem intimidating, but with the right recipe and step-by-step guide, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will please your palate. In this article, we will discuss 20 consecutive steps to make delicious ikan. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Choose the Right Fish
The first step in making ikan is always to choose the right fish. You need to buy fresh fish to ensure the taste and the quality of your dish. Look for clear eyes, shiny skin, and bright red gills. Some popular fish for this dish are tuna, mackerel, and snapper. However, you can choose any fish that you like.
The FAQ For Step 1: Choose the Right Fish
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What kind of fish is best for ikan? | You can use any fresh fish, but some popular choices are tuna, mackerel, and snapper. |
| How can I tell if the fish is fresh? | Check for clear eyes, shiny skin, and bright red gills. The flesh should be firm and elastic to the touch. |
| Is it okay to use frozen fish? | If you have to use frozen fish, make sure it’s thawed before cooking. However, fresh fish is always better. |
Once you have bought the right fish, it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 2: Clean the Fish
The second step is to clean the fish. Cleaning the fish is essential to remove any dirt or bacteria on the skin and the inside of the fish. Rinse the fish with cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. You can also remove the scales if you prefer.
The FAQ For Step 2: Clean the Fish
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to remove the scales? | It’s up to you. Some people prefer the scales to be removed, but it’s not necessary. |
| How can I remove the scales? | You can use the back of a knife or a scaler to remove the scales. |
| Should I remove the innards? | If you prefer, you can remove the innards. However, some people believe that the innards add flavor to the fish. |
After cleaning the fish, you can move to the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the Ingredients
The third step is to prepare the ingredients. You will need some herbs and spices to add flavor to the fish. Some popular ingredients are shallots, garlic, chili, lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric. Pound or blend the ingredients to create a paste.
The FAQ For Step 3: Prepare the Ingredients
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I use pre-made spice pastes? | Yes, you can use pre-made spice pastes if you don’t have the time to make your own. |
| What other herbs can I use? | You can add other herbs such as bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, or pandan leaves to add more flavor. |
| How finely should I pound or blend the ingredients? | It’s up to you. Some people prefer a coarse paste, while others prefer a smooth one. |
After preparing the ingredients, it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 4: Marinate the Fish
The fourth step is to marinate the fish. Rub the spice paste all over the fish, including the inside of the fish. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
The FAQ For Step 4: Marinate the Fish
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long should I marinate the fish? | You can marinate the fish for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be. |
| Can I marinate the fish in the fridge? | Yes, it’s better to marinate the fish in the fridge to prevent bacteria growth. |
| Do I need to cover the fish when marinating it? | Yes, it’s better to cover the fish to prevent it from drying out. |
After marinating the fish, it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
The fifth step is to heat the oil. You can use any oil that is suitable for frying, such as vegetable oil or coconut oil. Heat the oil in a frying pan or a wok over high heat.
The FAQ For Step 5: Heat the Oil
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What kind of oil should I use? | You can use any oil that is suitable for frying, such as vegetable oil or coconut oil. |
| How much oil should I use? | You need enough oil to cover the fish, but not too much that it spills over. |
| What should be the temperature of the oil? | The oil should be hot, around 180°C or 350°F, but not smoking. |
After heating the oil, it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 6: Fry the Fish
The sixth step is to fry the fish. Put the fish in the hot oil and fry it until golden brown, making sure to flip the fish to cook both sides evenly. Remove the fish from the oil and let it rest on a paper towel to drain the excess oil.
The FAQ For Step 6: Fry the Fish
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long should I fry the fish? | It depends on the thickness of the fish. Generally, it takes around 5-7 minutes per side. |
| Do I need to cover the fish while frying? | No, you don’t need to cover the fish while frying. |
| How do I know when the fish is done? | The fish is done when it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside and the flesh is cooked through. |
After frying the fish, it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 7: Make the Sauce
The seventh step is to make the sauce. You can make any sauce that you like, but a popular one is sweet and sour sauce. Combine vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and water in a pan, and cook it over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens. You can also add some chopped onions, garlic, and chili to add more flavor.
The FAQ For Step 7: Make the Sauce
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What kind of sauce should I make? | You can make any sauce that you like, but a popular one is sweet and sour sauce. |
| How much sauce should I make? | It depends on your preference. You can make as much or as little as you like. |
| Do I need to cook the sauce? | Yes, you need to cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens. |
After making the sauce, it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 8: Plate the Fish
The eighth step is to plate the fish. Put the fried fish on a serving plate and pour the sauce on top. You can also garnish it with some chopped herbs or sliced chili.
The FAQ For Step 8: Plate the Fish
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to remove the bones of the fish? | It’s up to you. Some people prefer to remove the bones, while others like to keep them. |
| How do I garnish the fish? | You can garnish the fish with some chopped herbs such as coriander or basil, or sliced chili. |
| Can I add other ingredients to the dish? | Yes, you can add other ingredients such as vegetables or tofu to the dish. |
Congratulations, you have successfully made delicious ikan. We hope this step-by-step guide has been helpful for you. Enjoy your meal!