Gulai Ikan Tongkol: A Flavorful Indonesian Tuna Stew
Gulai Ikan Tongkol is a beloved Indonesian dish that showcases the rich and aromatic flavors of tuna simmered in a luscious coconut milk curry. This recipe combines tender chunks of tuna with a fragrant blend of spices, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Here’s how to make this delectable stew at home:
Ingredients
- 1 small tuna fish (ikan tongkol), cleaned and cut into desired pieces
- 1 packet of Kara coconut milk
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 3 cm galangal, smashed
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 turmeric leaf, shredded
- 1 spring onion, diagonally sliced
For the Spice Paste:
- 7 large red chilies
- 4 shallots
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 cm ginger
- 6 cm turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- Oil for sautéing
- Salt to taste
- Sugar to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions
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Prepare the Tuna: Begin by cleaning the tuna and cutting it into pieces according to your preference. If you like, you can briefly boil the tuna pieces for a few minutes, though this step can be skipped if you prefer a more tender texture.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste ingredients—red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and ground pepper—into the pan. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the shallots are translucent.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the lemongrass, galangal, bay leaves, and turmeric leaf. Continue to cook for a couple more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Cook the Tuna: Add the tuna pieces to the pan. Pour in a small amount of water, just enough to cover the fish. Season with salt and cook until the fish is about halfway done.
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Incorporate Coconut Milk: Stir in the Kara coconut milk. If the mixture appears too thick, add a bit more water to achieve your desired consistency. Be careful to stir gently to prevent the coconut milk from curdling.
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Season and Simmer: Adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar to taste. Add the sliced spring onion. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and thickened, and the tuna is fully cooked.
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Final Touches: Once the gulai has reached a thick, rich consistency and the flavors are well-balanced, remove from heat.
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Serve: Transfer the Gulai Ikan Tongkol to a serving dish and enjoy it hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
This traditional Indonesian stew, with its vibrant spices and creamy coconut base, offers a wonderful taste of Southeast Asian cuisine. Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Gulai Ikan Tongkol with family and friends!
