Cue Tongkol Balado: A Spicy Tuna Delight
Cue Tongkol Balado, a dish that beautifully combines the flavors of fresh tuna with aromatic spices, is a beloved Indonesian classic that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. With a perfect balance of spice and savory goodness, this dish makes for an excellent main course, paired beautifully with steamed rice. Follow this easy-to-make recipe to bring the delightful taste of Indonesia into your kitchen!
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuna (cue tongkol), cut in half | 5 pieces |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 2 leaves |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Ground Spices | |
| Red shallots | 4 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Large red chilies | 2 pieces |
| Curly red chilies | 5 pieces (adjust for spiciness) |
| Tomato (optional) | 1/2 piece (can be omitted) |
Instructions
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Prepare All Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients to ensure you have everything ready for the cooking process.
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Fry the Tuna: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the tuna pieces until they are lightly browned and nearly cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes on each side. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
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Grind the Spices: In a mortar and pestle, grind the shallots, garlic, red chilies, and curly red chilies into a fine paste. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can also use a food processor.
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Sauté the Spices: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, and heat it up. Once hot, add the ground spice mixture and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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Add Kaffir Lime Leaves: Toss in the kaffir lime leaves and stir-fry until they release their aroma.
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Season: Add salt and sugar to the sautéed spices, tasting as you go to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
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Combine: Once the spices are well-cooked and seasoned, return the fried tuna to the pan. Gently stir to coat the fish evenly with the spicy mixture, allowing the flavors to meld for another 3-5 minutes.
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Final Touch: If you desire a richer flavor, consider adding the optional tomato at this stage. This will enhance the sauce and make it more robust. Stir until the tomato softens and incorporates into the dish.
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Serve: Once the tuna is fully cooked and has absorbed the delightful flavors of the spices, remove the pan from heat. Serve your Cue Tongkol Balado hot with steamed rice and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Indonesian dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
This recipe serves as a delicious representation of Indonesian cuisine, highlighting the importance of balancing flavors and utilizing fresh ingredients. The warmth of the spices combined with the tender tuna creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also nutritious. Enjoy creating this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen, and savor every bite!
