Spicy Skipjack Tuna with Basil (Cakalang Pedas Kemangi)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Skipjack tuna (or mackerel) | 1/4 kg |
| Fresh basil leaves | 2 bunches |
| Tomato, diced | 1 (medium-sized) |
| Lemongrass (use only the base, thinly sliced) | 1 stalk |
| Red chili peppers (sliced diagonally) | 2 large |
| Bird’s eye chili (sliced diagonally) | 4 small |
| Galangal (bruised) | 2 cm |
| Kaffir lime leaves (thinly sliced) | 4 leaves |
| Tamarind water (soak tamarind in water and use the liquid) | 3 tbsp |
| Water | As needed |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
Coarsely ground seasoning:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots | 4 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Large red chili peppers | 5 |
| Bird’s eye chili | 15 small |
Instructions
-
Steam the Tuna
Start by thoroughly cleaning the skipjack tuna or mackerel. After cleaning, rub the fish with lime juice to remove any fishy odor. Steam the fish for about 20 minutes until fully cooked. -
Shred the Fish
Once the fish has been steamed and cooled slightly, shred the meat into small pieces and set it aside. -
-
Sauté the Ground Spices
Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the coarsely ground seasoning (shallots, garlic, red chili peppers, and bird’s eye chilies) until fragrant and the raw smell disappears. -
Add Aromatics and Tamarind Water
To the fragrant sautéed spices, add the tamarind water, diced tomatoes, sliced chili peppers, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and bruised galangal. Cook this mixture until the aroma is strong and all the ingredients are well combined. -
Combine Fish with Seasoning
Add the shredded tuna or mackerel to the pan. Stir well so the fish is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Next, add the fresh basil leaves and cook everything together for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Adjust the Consistency
If the mixture looks dry, add a small amount of water to reach your preferred consistency. Season the dish with salt and flavor enhancers (optional) to taste. Continue cooking over medium heat until the dish is well combined, and the aroma of the basil and spices is prominent. -
Serve
Once fully cooked, remove the pan from heat. Your Spicy Skipjack Tuna with Basil is now ready to be served. Enjoy this vibrant, aromatic dish with steamed rice or as part of a traditional Indonesian meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 20% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 4% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 8% of Daily Value |
This flavorful Spicy Skipjack Tuna with Basil (Cakalang Pedas Kemangi) recipe blends the spiciness of chilies with the fresh aroma of basil, making it a perfect dish for those who enjoy bold flavors. The combination of tender shredded tuna, aromatic spices, and fragrant herbs results in a savory meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or can be served on its own for a satisfying burst of Indonesian cuisine.
