Crispy Ikan Tongkol Nuggets: Indonesian Tuna Bites Recipe

Nugget Ikan Tongkol Recipe

Introduction

Nugget Ikan Tongkol, a delicious and satisfying dish originating from Indonesia, brings together the rich flavors of tuna with a delightful crunch. This recipe transforms the tender fish into nuggets that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends. With a crispy exterior and a savory filling, these nuggets are best served with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ABC or Indofood chili sauce, elevating the culinary experience.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values; can vary based on preparation and serving size)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the Ikan Tongkol thoroughly under running water. Once cleaned, carefully remove the bones and cut the fish into manageable pieces. Next, using a mortar and pestle, pound the fish until it becomes a smooth paste.

2. Prepare the Tofu: In a separate bowl, mash the tofu until it reaches a smooth consistency, ensuring there are no lumps.

3. Blend the Aromatics: Peel and roughly chop the garlic and shallots. Add them to the mortar along with a pinch of salt. Grind them together until they form a fine paste. If you prefer, you can also use a food processor for this step.

4. Combine the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pounded fish, mashed tofu, and the garlic-shallot paste. Mix thoroughly until well combined. If desired, add a flavor enhancer to taste to enhance the savory profile of the mixture.

5. Add Eggs: Crack two eggs into the mixture and stir well until everything is fully incorporated. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together and create a cohesive nugget mixture.

6. Shape the Nuggets: Prepare a steaming setup using a steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack. Take a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and place a portion of the fish mixture onto it, shaping it into a square or rectangle about 1-inch thick. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into nuggets.

7. Steam the Nuggets: Place the wrapped nuggets into the steamer and steam for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly firm to the touch. You will know they are done when they have a light golden color on the edges.

8. Slice the Nuggets: Once the nuggets have cooled slightly, remove them from the steamer and slice them into bite-sized squares or rectangles, about 2 inches in size.

9. Prepare for Frying: In a shallow dish, beat the remaining two eggs. In another dish, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each nugget piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs to form an even coating.

10. Fry the Nuggets: In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated nuggets in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, approximately 4–5 minutes per side.

11. Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the nuggets onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious Nugget Ikan Tongkol warm, accompanied by your choice of dipping sauces such as ABC chili sauce or Indofood chili sauce, which complement the savory flavor of the nuggets beautifully. These nuggets can also be enjoyed alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Nugget Ikan Tongkol recipe is not only an exciting dish that showcases the versatility of tuna but also an opportunity to create a delightful and wholesome meal that is sure to impress. Whether for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, these nuggets are sure to be a hit, offering a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy this delicious creation and savor the love that goes into every bite!