Balinese Fried Tuna with Spicy Sambal (Tuna Goreng Sambal Bali)

Tuna Goreng Sambal Bali – Balinese Fried Tuna with Spicy Sambal

A Taste of Bali in Every Bite!
Tuna Goreng Sambal Bali is a simple yet incredibly flavorful Balinese dish that brings together the bold flavors of fresh tuna and a fragrant sambal made with red chilies, shallots, and fragrant herbs. The combination of crispy fried tuna and spicy sambal is a perfect harmony of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness. This dish is served warm and is perfect with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Tuna
Start by cleaning and rinsing the fresh tuna slices under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, squeeze the juice of one lime (or lemon) over the tuna pieces. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and half a teaspoon of ground coriander over the fish. Mix well to coat the tuna evenly. Set aside and allow the flavors to soak in while preparing the sambal.

Step 2: Prepare the Sambal
In the meantime, thinly slice the red bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and lemongrass stalk. In a small frying pan, heat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until the oil is very hot but not smoking. Add the chopped ingredients to the hot oil. Stir-fry briefly, adding a pinch of sugar and salt to taste. Continue frying until the mixture softens and releases a fragrant aroma, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Tuna
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated tuna pieces. Fry them on both sides until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining moist inside. This should take around 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the tuna.

Step 4: Shred the Tuna
After frying, remove the tuna from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Use a fork to shred the tuna into bite-sized pieces. Discard any bones and skin if present.

Step 5: Combine Tuna and Sambal
Carefully mix the shredded tuna with the sambal from earlier. Stir until the tuna is well coated with the spicy, fragrant sambal mixture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve this delicious Tuna Goreng Sambal Bali while it’s still warm. It’s perfect when paired with steamed white rice or enjoyed on its own as a main dish.

Tips for Success:

• Adjust the level of spiciness by controlling the number of bird’s eye chilies you use.
• The fried tuna can be stored for a short while if you’re preparing it ahead of time, but it’s best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.
• For an extra touch of Bali, you can garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or basil leaves before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

This easy yet exquisite dish brings the vibrant flavors of Bali to your table in no time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering!