Malay Wedding Menu & Recipes – Sweet and Sour Fish!

When it comes to Malay wedding menus, there is always an abundant variety of delicious dishes to choose from. One popular choice among guests is the Sweet and Sour Fish, a dish that combines the tangy flavors of vinegar and lime with the sweetness of pineapple and tomato.

The Sweet and Sour Fish is a perfect addition to any Malay wedding feast. It is a flavorful and colorful dish that is sure to please everyone’s taste buds. The dish typically consists of deep-fried fish fillets, which are then stir-fried with a mixture of pineapple chunks, sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions.

To make the Sweet and Sour Fish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g fish fillets
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup sliced tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 onion, sliced
• Oil for frying

To prepare the dish, start by marinating the fish fillets with cornflour and soy sauce for about 15 minutes. Then, heat oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden brown. Set aside. In the same pan, stir-fry the onions, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and sliced tomatoes for a few minutes. In a separate bowl, mix together the vinegar, lime juice, and sugar. Pour the mixture into the pan and bring to a boil. Add the fried fish back into the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Once the Sweet and Sour Fish is ready, serve it hot with steamed rice or as a side dish alongside other Malay wedding specialties. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to make it a crowd favorite!

Popular Malay Wedding Dishes

• Rendang: This is a rich and flavorful beef or chicken dish cooked in a fragrant blend of spices and coconut milk. It is typically slow-cooked for hours until the meat is tender and the flavors are well-infused.
• Ayam Masak Merah: This is a spicy tomato-based chicken dish that is cooked with a medley of spices such as ginger, garlic, and chili. The chicken is usually marinated in the spices before being fried and then simmered in the tomato sauce.
• Sambal Udang: This is a spicy prawn dish that is cooked with a paste made from chilies, shrimp paste, and other ingredients. The prawns are typically stir-fried until they are cooked and then mixed with the sambal paste for a spicy and savory flavor.
• Lontong: This is a traditional Malay dish made of compressed rice cake that is usually served with a spicy peanut sauce, along with vegetables and proteins such as tofu, eggs, and beef rendang.
• Ikan Bakar: This is a grilled or barbecued fish dish that is marinated with a blend of spices and herbs. The fish is usually wrapped in banana leaves before being grilled, which imparts a fragrant aroma to the dish.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes that are commonly served at Malay weddings. The menu often varies depending on the region and the preferences of the couple getting married. However, no matter the specific dishes, Malay wedding feasts are always a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Recipe – Sweet and Sour Fish

To make Sweet and Sour Fish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fish fillets (such as red snapper or tilapia)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cornstarch for coating
• Vegetable oil for frying
• For the sweet and sour sauce:

To prepare the sweet and sour sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. In a separate bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water and slowly pour into the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

Next, season the fish fillets with salt and pepper, then coat them in cornstarch. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until golden and crispy. Remove the fish from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Finally, pour the sweet and sour sauce over the crispy fish, and garnish with pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, carrot slices, and sliced onions. Serve the Sweet and Sour Fish hot as part of your Malay wedding menu, and enjoy the burst of flavor it brings to the table!

How to Serve and Enjoy Sweet and Sour Fish at a Wedding

1. Presentation: The way the Sweet and Sour Fish is presented on the plate can make a big difference in the overall dining experience. The fish should be plated in an aesthetically pleasing manner, with vibrant colors and garnishes to enhance its visual appeal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of sauce can also elevate the presentation.
2. Flavors: Sweet and Sour Fish is known for its balance of sweet and tangy flavors. To ensure a tasty dish, the fish should be cooked just right, with a crispy exterior and tender flesh. The sauce should have the perfect combination of sweetness from sugar and tanginess from vinegar. It’s important to taste the dish before serving to make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning.
3. Accompaniments: Sweet and Sour Fish is often served with steamed rice, which complements the flavors of the dish. Other accompaniments may include stir-fried vegetables or a refreshing salad. These side dishes help provide a balanced meal and enhance the overall dining experience.
4. Serving Style: Depending on the size of the wedding, Sweet and Sour Fish can be served individually plated or as a sharing dish. Individual plating allows for portion control and ensures each guest receives a complete meal. On the other hand, a sharing style can create a more interactive and communal dining experience, with guests helping themselves to the dish.

Remember to consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of the wedding guests. Offering alternative options, such as vegetarian or seafood versions of Sweet and Sour Fish, can ensure that everyone can enjoy this delicious dish. With attention to presentation, flavors, accompaniments, and serving style, Sweet and Sour Fish can be a standout dish at any wedding celebration.