Simple Tongkol Balado Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of tongkol (skipjack tuna)
- 6 shallots
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 4 red chilies
- 8 large bird’s eye chilies
- 1 onion
- A small bunch of chopped green onions (scallions)
- Palm sugar (gula merah)
- Flavor enhancer (such as Indofood brand)
- 1 tomato
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by grinding the shallots, garlic, red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies into a smooth paste. This can be done using a mortar and pestle or a food processor for convenience.
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Slice Vegetables: Thinly slice the onion and chop the tomato. Set aside with the green onions.
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Fry the Tongkol: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the tongkol until it’s lightly golden, then drain on paper towels.
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Cook the Spice Paste: In the same pan, sauté the sliced onion until it becomes fragrant. Add the ground spice paste and cook until the oil begins to separate from the spices.
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Add Vegetables: Incorporate the chopped green onions and tomato into the pan. Stir well.
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Season the Sauce: Add a little water to the pan along with the flavor enhancer and palm sugar. Stir and adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Combine Tongkol and Sauce: Gently add the fried tongkol into the pan with the sauce. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes, ensuring the fish is well-coated with the spicy sauce.
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Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Serve: Your Simple Tongkol Balado is ready to be enjoyed with family. Serve it hot and savor the rich, spicy flavors of this traditional dish.
Enjoy this flavorful Indonesian classic that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones! 😊😊😊
