Tuna Masak Gulai Aceh Recipe
This delightful dish, Tuna Masak Gulai Aceh, is a rich and flavorful Indonesian curry that features tender chunks of tuna bathed in a fragrant spice blend. The combination of spices, fresh herbs, and tangy flavors makes this dish a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will transport your taste buds to the beautiful shores of Aceh.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh tuna (large) | 500 g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lime juice | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
| Spice Paste | |
| Red curly chilies | 15 pieces (can substitute with red bird’s eye chilies) |
| Coriander seeds | 30 g (reduce slightly if desired) |
| Shallots | 6 pieces |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Dried asam sunti | 3-4 pieces |
| Ginger | A thumb-sized piece |
| Turmeric | A thumb-sized piece |
| Additional Ingredients | |
| Curry leaves | 1 stalk (optional, can skip if unavailable) |
| Green chilies | 3 pieces, sliced lengthwise (optional, can skip if unavailable) |
| Dried asam sunti | 3 pieces (for garnish) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tuna: Begin by cleaning the fresh tuna, ensuring it is free of any scales or impurities. Pat it dry, then season with salt and lime juice. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine the red curly chilies, coriander seeds, shallots, garlic, dried asam sunti, ginger, and turmeric. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If necessary, add a little water to facilitate blending.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add the spice paste. Sauté the mixture, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant, changes color, and the oil begins to separate from the paste, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Aromatics: Introduce the curry leaves and dried asam sunti to the sautéed spice paste. Pour in a little water to create a sauce, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
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Cook the Tuna: Gently place the marinated tuna into the pan, followed by the sliced green chilies if you are using them. Stir carefully to coat the tuna with the spice mixture. Cover the pan and let it cook until the fish is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
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Adjust the Flavor: After the cooking time, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar as necessary to balance the flavors.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from heat. Transfer the Tuna Masak Gulai Aceh to a serving dish and garnish with additional asam sunti if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or warm flatbreads.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 350 |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | Varies (depends on added salt) |
| Sugar | 2 g |
This recipe for Tuna Masak Gulai Aceh encapsulates the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine while being relatively straightforward to prepare. As you savor the layers of spices and the tenderness of the tuna, you may find this dish becoming a beloved part of your recipe collection, allowing you to share a piece of Acehnese culture with your family and friends. Enjoy!
