Tongkol Uleg Kimbek: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Discover the rich and savory taste of Tongkol Uleg Kimbek, a traditional Indonesian dish that features tender tuna infused with aromatic spices. This recipe is perfect for those looking to elevate their culinary repertoire with a dish that is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

To create this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

1 whole tongkol pindang (smoked tuna)
10 cloves garlic, peeled
6 shallots, peeled
15 red bird’s eye chilies (or adjust to your taste)
3 bay leaves
1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
1 segment ginger, bruised
1 segment galangal, bruised
1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste (terasi)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cooking oil
6 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Tuna: Begin by grinding the smoked tuna (tongkol pindang) until it reaches a fine texture. Set aside the ground tuna for later use.
Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle, combine 5 cloves of garlic, 10 bird’s eye chilies, and shrimp paste. Grind until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
Slice the Aromatics: Finely slice the remaining bird’s eye chilies, garlic, and shallots to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
Sauté the Spices: In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the ground spice mixture along with the sliced aromatics, lemongrass, galangal, and ginger. Sauté until the mixture becomes aromatic and golden brown.
Combine with Tuna: Add the ground tuna back into the pan, mixing thoroughly. Cook until the mixture becomes dry and does not clump together, ensuring a well-integrated flavor.
Storage: This dish can be stored in a tightly sealed jar and will remain fresh for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestion

Serve your Tongkol Uleg Kimbek with steamed rice or as a flavorful topping for various dishes. Enjoy this fragrant creation that reflects the heart of Indonesian culinary traditions!

Tips for Enjoyment

Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of bird’s eye chilies to suit your palate.
Pair this dish with fresh vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

With its blend of savory flavors and aromatic spices, Tongkol Uleg Kimbek is a dish that truly embodies the essence of Indonesian cooking. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary collection. Enjoy the delightful journey of flavors!