Garang Asem Ikan Tongkol: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Ingredients

For this delightful Garang Asem Ikan Tongkol, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fish: 500 grams of ikan tongkol (you can substitute with other fish if desired)
• Herbs:
  • 1 bunch of kemangi (Thai basil)
  • 1 bunch of daun so (lemon basil)
• Vegetables:
  • 1 green tomato, diced
  • 6 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)

Spice Paste:

• 5 cloves of garlic
• 3 shallots
• 1 candlenut (kemiri)
• 2 cm turmeric, peeled
• Salt, to taste
• A pinch of shrimp paste (terasi) for those who enjoy it

Additional Flavoring:

• 1 medium-sized onion, sliced (not too thin)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (sereh), bruised
• 2 cm galangal (laos), bruised
• 2 cm ginger, bruised
• 2 lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 5 tamarind pods (asam jawa), adjust to taste
• 3 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 1 teaspoon of palm sugar (gula jawa)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Begin by thoroughly washing the ikan tongkol, then set it aside to drain.

2. Make the Spice Paste:
   In a blender or mortar, combine the garlic, shallots, candlenut, turmeric, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth paste. This aromatic blend will form the foundation of your dish.

3. Chop the Vegetables:
   Dice the green tomato, and coarsely chop the kemangi and daun so. Set these aside for later use.

4. Cook the Spice Paste:
   In a pot, add the prepared spice paste along with the sliced onion, bruised lemongrass, galangal, ginger, lime leaves, and bay leaves. Sauté until fragrant, allowing the spices to release their wonderful aroma.

5. Add Water:
   Pour in approximately 1.5 liters of water into the pot, stirring to combine the ingredients and create a fragrant broth.

6. Incorporate the Fish:
   Carefully add the ikan tongkol into the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the flavorful broth. Allow the fish to cook through, absorbing the essence of the spices.

7. Finish with Herbs and Seasonings:
   Once the fish is cooked, incorporate the chopped green tomato, kemangi, daun so, and tamarind pods into the pot. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding palm sugar or salt to enhance the flavor.

8. Serve:
   Once everything is cooked to perfection and the flavors meld beautifully, serve your Garang Asem Ikan Tongkol hot, accompanied by steamed rice. Enjoy this vibrant and aromatic dish that showcases the essence of Indonesian cuisine!

Tips for the Perfect Garang Asem

• Feel free to customize the heat level by adjusting the number of bird’s eye chilies according to your preference.
• For an extra kick of umami, consider adding a touch more shrimp paste if desired.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice and can be enjoyed with family and friends during gatherings.

Dive into the heart of Indonesian cooking with this refreshing Garang Asem Ikan Tongkol, a dish that brings together fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors for a truly unforgettable meal!