Cakalang Suwir Kemangi: A Fragrant and Spicy Dish
Cakalang Suwir Kemangi, a delightful dish hailing from Indonesia, showcases the unique flavors of shredded skipjack tuna combined with aromatic herbs and spices. This dish, characterized by its fragrant notes of basil and a hint of heat, is perfect for those seeking an authentic culinary experience. Follow this detailed recipe to create a vibrant dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boiled Cakalang (Skipjack Tuna) | 7 pieces, cleaned (usually sold by local fish vendors) |
| Shallots | 7 cloves, roughly chopped |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, roughly chopped |
| Red Chilies (Keriting) | 4, chopped |
| Ginger | 1 piece, bruised |
| Galangal | 1 piece, bruised |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk, bruised |
| Bay Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | 10 leaves |
| Red Bird’s Eye Chilies | 10, sliced (add more for extra heat, if desired) |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Basil (Kemangi) | 1 bunch, leaves picked |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Cakalang: Begin by lightly frying the boiled cakalang in a pan until it is slightly crispy. Once it cools, shred the fish into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle, coarsely grind the shallots, garlic, and red chilies together until you achieve a rough paste. This will serve as the base of your flavorful mixture.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a heated pan, add a splash of oil and sauté the ground shallot-chili mixture. As it starts to become fragrant, incorporate the bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves.
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Add the Roots: Once the mixture is aromatic, add in the bruised ginger and galangal. Stir continuously to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the sliced red bird’s eye chilies and chopped tomato to the pan, stirring until the tomato softens and begins to release its juices.
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Combine with Cakalang: Gently fold in the shredded cakalang, ensuring it is well-coated with the spice mixture. Stir continuously to combine the flavors thoroughly.
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Finish with Basil: After the cakalang is evenly mixed with the spices, add the basil leaves. Stir gently to combine, allowing the basil to wilt slightly without losing its vibrant color.
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Season to Taste: Finally, season the dish with sugar and salt according to your taste preferences. Give it one last stir to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Cakalang Suwir Kemangi is now ready to be served! This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and can be garnished with additional fresh basil leaves for an added touch of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
This Cakalang Suwir Kemangi recipe is not only easy to prepare but also brings a burst of flavor that will transport you to the streets of Indonesia. Enjoy this delightful dish at your next gathering, and share the love of cooking with friends and family!
