Oseng Kepala Ikan Tongkol Pedas
Spicy Tuna Head Stir-Fry
Experience the robust flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delightful recipe for Oseng Kepala Ikan Tongkol Pedas, a spicy tuna head stir-fry that is both flavorful and satisfying. Perfectly seasoned and cooked, this dish brings together a symphony of spices and fresh ingredients to create a truly memorable meal. Follow these steps to prepare this deliciously spicy and aromatic dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 tuna head (cleaned and separated into pieces as shown in the image)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 shallots
- 8 small red chilies
- 2 small pieces of turmeric (or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder)
- 1 small tomato
- Salt to taste
- Flavor enhancer (optional, adjust to taste)
- Black pepper to taste
- A pinch of sugar
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tuna Head: Begin by cleaning and separating the tuna head into manageable pieces. This will make it easier to fry and handle later in the cooking process.
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Fry the Tuna Head: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan. Fry the tuna head pieces until they are slightly crispy. It’s important to use a small amount of oil and cover the pan to prevent the oil from splattering.
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Drain the Fish: Once the tuna head pieces are fried to a light crispiness, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel or in a colander to drain excess oil.
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Prepare the Spice Mixture: While the tuna head is draining, grind together garlic, shallots, small red chilies, and turmeric (or turmeric powder) to create a fragrant spice paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this step.
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Cook the Spice Paste: In the same pan, add a little oil if necessary, and sauté the ground spice mixture until it becomes aromatic and slightly caramelized. This step is crucial as it develops the base flavor of the dish.
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Combine Fish and Spices: Add the fried tuna head pieces back into the pan with the sautéed spice paste. Mix thoroughly to ensure the fish is well-coated with the spices.
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Add Tomato and Seasoning: Chop the tomato and add it to the pan. Season the dish with salt, flavor enhancer (if using), black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Stir everything together.
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Simmer and Adjust Spice Level: Pour a small amount of water into the pan according to your preference for sauce consistency. Allow the mixture to simmer until the tuna head is cooked through and the flavors are well-blended. Taste the dish and adjust the level of spiciness by adding more chilies if desired.
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Serve: Once the dish is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat. Serve hot and enjoy your Oseng Kepala Ikan Tongkol Pedas with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.
This recipe brings a vibrant and spicy kick to your dining table, showcasing the rich and dynamic flavors of traditional Indonesian cooking. Enjoy the blend of spices and the hearty texture of the tuna head in this aromatic and flavorful dish!
