Gulai Ikan Tongkol: A Flavorful Indonesian Fish Curry

Gulai Ikan Tongkol is a beloved Indonesian dish that combines the rich flavors of spices with tender, fried tuna fish, creating a delightful and aromatic curry that is perfect for serving with steamed rice. This recipe will guide you through making this delicious dish with ease, ensuring a truly authentic experience.

Ingredients

For the Fish

• 2 pieces of tuna (ikan tongkol), cut into pieces and lightly fried

Aromatics and Seasonings

• 2-3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 1 stalk lemongrass (daun sere)
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Seasoning powder, to taste
• 5 whole bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit utuh)

For the Coconut Milk

• 1 small pack of Kara coconut milk (santan kara)

For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus)

• 3 cloves garlic
• 5 shallots (bawang merah)
• 1 cm fresh turmeric (kunyit)
• 5 bird’s eye chilies
• 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Start by blending together the garlic, shallots, turmeric, bird’s eye chilies, and candlenuts with the water until you achieve a smooth paste. This aromatic mixture is the foundation of your gulai.

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2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant and cooked through, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it develops the deep flavors that characterize the dish.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
   Incorporate the chopped tomato, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass into the pan. Stir occasionally, allowing the ingredients to mingle and cook down until the tomatoes soften and the mixture is aromatic.

4. Simmer with Coconut Milk:
   Once the mixture is fragrant, pour in the water and coconut milk. Add the whole bird’s eye chilies, sugar, salt, and seasoning powder. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Bring this to a gentle simmer.

5. Incorporate the Fried Fish:
   Before the mixture reaches a full boil, gently place the fried tuna pieces into the curry. Reduce the heat to low and allow the gulai to simmer, letting the fish soak up all the delicious flavors. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring the fish is heated through and infused with the curry sauce.

6. Serve:
   Once the gulai is ready, it’s time to serve! Transfer the dish to a serving bowl and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Gulai Ikan Tongkol with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

Tips for the Perfect Gulai

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the number of chilies based on your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds from the chilies.
• Fish Alternatives: While tuna is traditional, you can experiment with other types of fish or seafood to suit your taste preferences.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with white rice, fried tofu, or vegetable stir-fries to create a well-rounded meal.

Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of Gulai Ikan Tongkol, and share this comforting dish with family and friends. Happy cooking!