Tahu Tongkol Kuah Asam: A Delightful Indonesian Dish

Tahu Tongkol Kuah Asam is a delightful Indonesian dish that harmoniously combines tender fish with savory tofu in a tangy broth, making it a perfect addition to any meal. This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a burst of flavor that will surely impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 whole tongkol fish (or skipjack tuna)
• 2 blocks of tofu
• 8 shallots
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal
• 1 stalk of lemongrass
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
• 1 candlenut
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 starfruit
• Salt (to taste)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Flavor enhancer (to taste)
• Water (as needed)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Tofu: Cut the tofu into your desired size and steam for about 10 minutes. Once steamed, let it drain and set aside.

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2. Clean the Fish: Rinse the fish thoroughly, removing the entrails, and then cut it into four pieces.

3. Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle, grind the shallots, garlic, candlenut, and turmeric into a smooth paste. Bruise the lemongrass and chop the starfruit into small pieces.

4. Cook the Aromatics: In a pot, bring about half a pot of water to a boil. While waiting for the water to heat, sauté the spice paste along with the galangal and bay leaf until fragrant.

5. Combine Ingredients: Once the water is boiling, add the sautéed spices and starfruit pieces, followed by the fish and steamed tofu.

6. Season the Dish: Add salt, sugar, and flavor enhancer to taste, making sure to sample the broth to ensure balanced flavors. Allow the broth to come to a boil and the fish to cook through.

7. Serve: Once everything is cooked and the broth is bubbling, remove the pot from heat. Your Tahu Tongkol Kuah Asam is now ready to be served!

Enjoying Tahu Tongkol Kuah Asam

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and can be enjoyed as part of a larger meal or on its own. The combination of tangy starfruit, tender fish, and the richness of tofu creates a comforting experience that reflects the heart of Indonesian cuisine. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your cooking adventure!