Title: Special Ikan Tongkol Asem Padeh with Simple Spices
This flavorful Ikan Tongkol Asem Padeh is a popular Indonesian fish stew featuring fresh tuna in a savory and spicy sour broth, delicately enhanced with a fragrant combination of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and turmeric leaves. This dish is perfect for those looking to try a balanced, spicy, and aromatic Indonesian classic.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Tuna Fish (Ikan Tongkol), medium-sized | 900g (approx. 3–4 whole fish) |
| Water | 1000 ml |
| Fresh Lime Juice | 1 tbsp |
| Lemongrass Stalks, bruised | 2 stalks |
| Galangal, bruised | 40g (approx. 3 cm) |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | 4 leaves |
| Turmeric Leaf, tied into a knot | 1 leaf |
| Tamarind (Asam Kandis) | 2 small pieces (approx. 2g) |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Spice Paste Ingredients:
| Spice | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Curly Chili Peppers | 150g |
| Shallots | 100g (approx. 10 shallots) |
| Garlic | 8 cloves (approx. 8g) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tuna: Clean the fresh tuna, remove any unwanted parts, and cut it into pieces as desired. Coat the fish pieces with fresh lime juice, let it marinate for about 15–20 minutes to eliminate any fishy smell.
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Cook the Broth: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the prepared spice paste (ground red chili peppers, shallots, and garlic), along with the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bruised galangal, and turmeric leaf. Allow this mixture to boil for several minutes until aromatic.
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Add the Tuna: Once the broth is boiling, carefully place the tuna pieces into the pot, arranging them so that all the fish is fully submerged in the spicy broth.
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Simmer and Season: Lower the heat and let the stew simmer gently, allowing the flavors to develop. Continue to cook until the broth reduces slightly and thickens, absorbing the flavors. Add the tamarind, sugar, and salt to taste. Stir briefly and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the tuna is cooked and the flavors are well combined, turn off the heat. Your Ikan Tongkol Asem Padeh is now ready to be served!
This recipe brings together the tangy and spicy essence of traditional Indonesian cooking, making it a perfect addition to your meal.
