Last time I was in Orange County with TIL, we stopped into 99 Market grocery store where I proceeded to hoard every conceivable Asian condiment, herb, fruit, vegetable, and product not available to me locally. This included two pompano fish which I deposited into the freezer once home in the desert.
I had a couple of different ideas on how I'd like to prepare the first of them, but ultimately I decided on making kare ikan, or Sumatran style fish curry. As the Kind Reader knows all too well, I have a weakness for anything with coconut in it so this was a logical and easy choice.
1. I first created a bumbu (spice mixture) by combining 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 stalk of chopped lemon grass (white portion only), 1 tsp chopped ginger, 1 tsp grated turmeric (I used powdered for lack of), 2 cloves garlic, and 2 shallots. This was pureed with a little peanut oil in a food processor and then applied to the cleaned fish to marinate for 20 minutes.
2. In the meantime, I combined 1 stalk of lemongrass (chopped and bruised), 1 cup of coconut milk, 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp palm sugar, and 2 chopped chili peppers. The recipe also called for a salam leaf but I did not use this as they cannot be purchased locally and I haven't tried growing any yet. (Anybody have any seeds?) . This second mixture was then set aside.
3. After 20 minutes, I removed the fish, added the original marinade to a wok and added 1/2 cup water, simmering on low heat. I then added the second mixture (#2) and simmered the combined mixture for 5 mins. The fish was then re-added, a lid placed on the wok, and cooked until done. (Note: if the fish is thick, you may need to flip it at one point to cook it thoroughly.) After placing the cooked fish on a plate, the thickened sauce was then spooned on top.
For anybody attempting this recipe, I have the following suggestions. After the sauce has reduced and the fish is near to completion, you may want to taste the sauce and add a little salt or soy sauce to taste. I found this recipe a little lacking in the salt department. Otherwise, I'd say this was excellent.
By the way, for anybody with white composite countertops like me, I have found that by applying a little window cleaning solution to turmeric stains does wonders. Just let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub. This should take the stain right out. This is a very messy dish and this tip may just come in handy.
By the way, after I took this picture I realized I'd completely forgotten to sprinkle the top of the fish with red and green chili slices. So, please use your imagination and add a few to your mental image!
Moody tonight. Here's what I'm listening to:
Title: She's So D*amN Cool
Play Song: 
Artist: Felix Da Housecat
Album: Devin Dazzle & the Neon Fever
Comments
I remember as a kid pouring tumeric in my hand and licking it. That was rather nasty.
Posted by: homer | January 16, 2006 05:20 PM
Dear Sir,
You can try this food, very delicious
Posted by: Bruno | January 17, 2006 12:06 AM
So how's it going with your new meat eating life? I can see this dish with chicken. H
Posted by: The big H | January 17, 2006 01:10 AM
Just want to say, I like your site a lot. Are you by any chance in this line or something?
Posted by: Zi | January 17, 2006 09:03 PM
Homer: yeah, by itself it tastes like chalk but combined with other ingredients its really an outstanding condiment/flavor. Promise!
Bruno: thank you, I think I will.
Henrik: [removes blood stains from mouth with right arm] Not bad, not bad. I hope you are feeling more satisfied with regular Evil updates these days?
Zi: No, no, I just started cooking as a hobby. (You can read a little about this history in my ABOUT ME link which I just posted.) I'm really enjoying it so much... particularly Korean and Malaysian foods. Yum.
Posted by: Evil Jonny | January 17, 2006 09:40 PM
Yes I do. Online life without a regular Evil dosis is like food without salt.
Posted by: The big H | January 18, 2006 11:12 AM
I must say that I am amazed and overwhelmed every time I go to a 99 ranch store... they have so much stuff that I have no idea what it is! Fun to browse around!
Posted by: Joe | January 18, 2006 07:23 PM
Your presentations are always so beautiful :)
Posted by: Jeff | January 18, 2006 08:04 PM
Joe: I can't tell you how much fun I have when I go in there... I tend to hyperventilate as I shop, actually!
Jeff: Aw shucks, I'm just an amateur. Joe deserves the kudos for his yummy sugar creations.
Posted by: Jonny | January 18, 2006 08:17 PM
Oooh, window cleaner. I'll have to try that. I've made bhindi masala enough times that I finally figured the only solution was just soap and elbow grease.
Love the customizations to the template- it looks awesome!
Posted by: Adam | January 19, 2006 02:46 AM
The fish.. is that pomfret? Looks like pomfret to me. Pomfret does make good fish curry. I can almost smell the good gulai/kari ikan (fish curry). I could easily finish it with a bit or rice :-)
Posted by: SkyJuice7 | January 21, 2006 02:36 AM