Cakalan Goreng Pedas: A Spicy Fried Skipjack Tuna Delight
Cakalan Goreng Pedas, or Spicy Fried Skipjack Tuna, is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Indonesian spices with the succulent texture of skipjack tuna, creating a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. Perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside, this dish is a must-try for any seafood lover.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Skipjack tuna (Cakalang) | 6 pieces |
| For the Spice Paste: | |
| Red shallots | To taste |
| Garlic | To taste |
| Red chili peppers | To taste |
| Bird’s eye chili (Cabe rawit) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Varies by serving |
| Protein | Varies by serving |
| Fat | Varies by serving |
| Carbohydrates | Varies by serving |
| Sodium | Varies by seasoning |
| Sugars | Varies by seasoning |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending the red shallots, garlic, red chili peppers, and bird’s eye chili together until you achieve a smooth paste. This blend will serve as the foundation of flavor for your dish.
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Season the Fish: In a bowl, combine the freshly blended spice paste with salt and sugar to taste. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Then, gently add the skipjack tuna pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is coated evenly with the spice mixture.
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Fry the Fish: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over low heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned skipjack tuna into the pan. Fry the fish gently, allowing them to cook slowly until they turn a beautiful golden brown color, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes on each side. This method ensures that the fish remains tender while achieving a crispy exterior.
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Drain Excess Oil: Once the fish is cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Cakalan Goreng Pedas is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot as a main dish accompanied by steamed rice and a fresh salad, or enjoy it as a savory snack on its own.
Tips for Success
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference; you can even add more for an extra kick!
- For added flavor, consider marinating the fish in the spice paste for a few hours or overnight before frying.
- Serve with a side of sambal or a tangy dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
With its bold flavors and delightful crunch, Cakalan Goreng Pedas is sure to become a favorite in your household, bringing a touch of Indonesian cuisine to your table. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of sharing this dish with loved ones!
