Sambal Kemangi-Infused Skipjack Tuna: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Ikan Tongkol Sambal Kemangi

Embark on a culinary adventure with this delightful recipe for Ikan Tongkol Sambal Kemangi, a flavorful Indonesian dish featuring tuna, also known as skipjack, and an aromatic basil sambal that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe blends the freshness of the sea with the fragrant herbs and spices typical of Southeast Asian cuisine, making it a dish that’s sure to impress both family and guests alike.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preparation of the Fish:

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   • Begin by cutting the fresh skipjack tuna into manageable pieces. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to ensure they are clean and free from any residual impurities.

2. Seasoning the Fish:

   • In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, and ginger. Grind these ingredients into a fine paste.
   • Transfer this aromatic mixture to a bowl and mix in the lime juice and salt.
   • Coat the fish pieces generously with this seasoning blend, ensuring each piece is well-covered. For best results, allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish.

3. Frying the Fish:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the marinated fish into the pan and fry until golden brown and cooked through. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fish.
   • Once done, remove the fish from the pan and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

4. Preparing the Sambal:

   • In a clean mortar and pestle or food processor, blend together the bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, garlic, tomato, and candlenut until a smooth paste forms.
   • Heat a small amount of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sambal paste and sauté until it darkens in color, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

5. Combining the Fish and Sambal:

   • Pour in approximately 100 ml of water into the sambal mixture and bring it to a boil.
   • Carefully add the fried fish into the simmering sambal and drizzle in the sweet soy sauce.
   • Lower the heat and allow everything to cook together until the liquid reduces and the flavors meld beautifully into the fish, about 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, brown sugar, or chicken stock powder as desired.

6. Finishing Touch:

   • Just before serving, fold in the fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch that will elevate the dish.

7. Serving:

   • Serve the Ikan Tongkol Sambal Kemangi hot, accompanied by steamed rice and your choice of side dishes. The rich flavors of the sambal perfectly complement the tender fish, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Indulge in this sumptuous Ikan Tongkol Sambal Kemangi, where every bite delivers a burst of flavors and aromas that reflect the essence of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy this dish with family and friends, and let the culinary journey begin!