Authentic Asam Pedas from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian soup with step-by-step cooking instructions

Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

Fish simmered in a fiery, sour tomatoo-based broth with tamarind, torch ginger, and a generous amount of chili. A bold, assertive dish from Palembang.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500 g fish fillets
  • 4 tomatoes, chopped
  • 400 ml water
  • 3 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 5 red chilies
  • 3 shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 cm turmeric
  • 1 torch ginger flower, sliced (flower kantan)
  • Salt and sugar
  • Vegetables: okra, eggplant, long beans

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Grind shallots, garlic, chilies, and turmeric.
  2. Sauté spice paste until fragrant.
  3. Add tomatooes and cook until they break down.
  4. Pour in water and tamarind paste.
  5. Add vegetables and cook until tender.
  6. Add fish fillets.
  7. Simmer until fish is cooked.
  8. Season with salt and sugar.
  9. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish?

Fish simmered in a fiery, sour tomatoo-based broth with tamarind, torch ginger, and a generous amount of chili. A bold, assertive dish from Palembang.

Where does Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish come from?

Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

What makes Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish broth special?

The broth in Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish gets its distinctive flavor from 1 torch ginger flower, sliced (flower kantan). The broth is typically simmered for hours to extract maximum flavor from the bones and spices.

Is Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish difficult to make?

Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish?

The spiciness can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of chili peppers. For milder versions, reduce or omit the bird's eye chilies (cabe rawit).

How do I store leftover Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish?

Store leftover Asam Pedas: Sour Spicy Fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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