Pampis Tuna: A Flavorful Delight from the Sea
Pampis Tuna is a delightful dish hailing from Indonesia, known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. This dish combines tender tuna fillets with a medley of fresh herbs and spices, creating a unique and satisfying meal. Perfect for serving with rice, Pampis Tuna is a true representation of Indonesian culinary art that brings a taste of the sea to your table.
Ingredients
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients you will need to prepare Pampis Tuna:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuna fillet | 200 grams |
| Fresh basil (kemangi) | A handful |
| Lemongrass (serai), bruised | 1 stalk |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 2 leaves, torn |
| Chicken bouillon powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Spice Paste: | |
| Red bell pepper | 2 large |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit) | 5 chilies |
| Shallots | 4 pieces |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Fresh turmeric | 1 cm piece |
| Ginger | 1 cm piece |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 220 kcal |
| Protein | 30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 10 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sugars | 2 grams |
| Fat | 10 grams |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your delicious Pampis Tuna:
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Prepare the Tuna: Begin by thoroughly washing the tuna fillet under cold water. Once cleaned, heat a pan over medium heat and lightly fry the tuna fillet until it is half-cooked. Remove it from the pan and let it cool slightly before shredding it into coarse pieces. Set the shredded tuna aside for later.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In the same pan, add a touch of oil if needed. Next, blend the red bell pepper, bird’s eye chili, shallots, garlic, turmeric, and ginger into a smooth paste using a blender or mortar and pestle. Once blended, pour the paste into the hot pan. Add the torn kaffir lime leaves and the bruised lemongrass stalk, and sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant and the oil begins to separate, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine the Ingredients: Now, add the shredded tuna to the sautéed spice mixture in the pan. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Season with the chicken bouillon powder, salt, and sugar, adjusting to your taste preferences. Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves, allowing them to wilt and release their aromatic flavor into the dish.
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Final Cooking: Continue to cook the tuna mixture, stirring occasionally, until the excess moisture evaporates and the dish is thick and fragrant. This should take around 10-15 minutes. Keep tasting to ensure the seasoning is just right.
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Serve: Once the mixture has dried to your liking, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish. Pampis Tuna is best served warm, accompanied by steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal spread.
Tips for the Best Pampis Tuna
- Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the tuna and herbs significantly impacts the dish’s flavor. If possible, opt for fresh tuna fillets rather than canned for a superior taste.
- Adjust Spice Level: You can modify the number of chilies used according to your spice preference. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of bird’s eye chili.
- Serving Suggestions: Pampis Tuna pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad, adding freshness to balance the rich flavors.
Enjoy your culinary journey with Pampis Tuna, a dish that beautifully showcases the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine, making every bite a delicious experience.
