Acar Ikan Tongkol: A Delightful Indonesian Tuna Dish

Acar Ikan Tongkol is a vibrant and aromatic Indonesian dish that showcases the rich flavors of tuna combined with a medley of fresh herbs and spices. Perfect for any meal, this recipe is easy to follow and brings a touch of Southeast Asia to your dining table.

Ingredients

For the Main Dish

• 500 grams of tuna (ikan tongkol)
• 1 large onion (bawang Bombay)
• Juice of 1/2 lime (jeruk nipis)
• 1 tomato (tomat)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (serai)
• 1 bay leaf (daun salam)
• 1 kaffir lime leaf (daun jeruk)
• 10 whole green chilies (cabai hijau utuh)
• Vegetable oil for frying (secukupnya minyak goreng)
• Water (secukupnya air)

Spice Mixture (Bumbu)

• 7 shallots (bawang merah)
• 5 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
• 1 piece of turmeric (kunyit)
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper (lada)
• 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
• Salt and sugar to taste (secukupnya garam dan gula pasir)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Tuna:
   Begin by thoroughly cleaning the tuna and cutting it into appropriate pieces. Next, heat some vegetable oil in a pan and fry the tuna until it is half cooked. This step adds a lovely texture to the fish.

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2. Make the Spice Paste:
   In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, turmeric, pepper, and candlenuts. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Sauté the Spices:
   In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the spice paste until fragrant. This will enhance the flavors and create a wonderful aroma in your kitchen.

4. Combine Ingredients:
   To the sautéed spices, add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, bay leaf, green chilies, and lime juice. Gently incorporate the half-cooked tuna into the mixture, stirring well to ensure the fish is coated with the spices.

5. Add Liquid:
   Pour in just enough water to cover the ingredients, then add the chopped tomato and sliced onion. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar to your preference.

6. Simmer:
   Allow the dish to simmer until everything is cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring the tuna is tender and infused with the aromatic spices.

7. Serve:
   Once cooked, transfer the Acar Ikan Tongkol to a serving plate. This dish can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Enjoying Acar Ikan Tongkol

Serve Acar Ikan Tongkol alongside steamed rice for a complete meal, or pair it with your favorite side dishes. The blend of spices and fresh ingredients will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Indonesia. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends, and savor the flavors of traditional Indonesian cuisine.