Sweet and Sour Tuna, or “Ikan Tuna Asam Manis,” is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines the flavors of crispy fried tuna with a zesty, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family meal, a gathering with friends, or even a special occasion. With a balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Paper towels
Tags
- Sweet and sour
- Tuna
- Fried fish
- Indonesian cuisine
- Easy dinner
- Family meal
Serving Size
- Serves 4 people
Difficulty Level
- Easy
Allergen Information
- Contains: Fish, Egg, Wheat (gluten)
- Optional ingredients may include shellfish if oyster sauce contains it.
Ingredients
| QUANTITY | INGREDIENT |
|---|---|
| 250 g | Tuna fillet |
| 75 g | Super crispy flour |
| 5 tbsp | All-purpose flour |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1 | Onion (chopped) |
| 5 | Shallots (sliced) |
| 3 | Garlic cloves (chopped) |
| 2 | Large red chilies |
| 3 | Bird’s eye chilies |
| 1 | Tomato (chopped) |
| To taste | Green onions (chopped) |
| To taste | Salt |
| To taste | Sugar |
| 2 tsp | Oyster sauce |
| 5 tbsp | Sweet soy sauce |
| 2 tbsp | Tomato sauce |
| To taste | Seasoning (optional) |
| To taste | Lime juice |
| As needed | Oil (for frying) |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Tuna
- Rinse the tuna fillet under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the tuna into bite-sized pieces according to your preference.
- In a bowl, season the tuna with a pinch of salt and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Let it marinate for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Coating the Tuna
- Beat the egg in a separate bowl.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the super crispy flour with the all-purpose flour.
- Dip each tuna piece into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Dredge the egg-coated tuna into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, fry the tuna pieces until golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even frying. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the fried tuna on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
- In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion, shallots, garlic, and both types of chilies until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sweet soy sauce, tomato sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Season the sauce with a pinch of salt, sugar, and additional seasoning as desired.
- Pour in a small splash of warm water to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Step 4: Combining the Tuna and Sauce
- Gently add the fried tuna pieces into the skillet with the sauce.
- Stir carefully to coat the tuna with the sauce evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serving
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of freshness.
- Serve the Sweet and Sour Tuna hot, paired with steamed rice or as a standalone dish.
Preparation Tips
- Frying the Tuna: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the tuna to ensure a crispy coating. If the oil is too cool, the tuna will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
- Adjusting the Heat: For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of bird’s eye chilies or remove the seeds from the large red chilies.
- Freshness: Fresh tuna works best for this recipe. However, frozen tuna can be used if thawed completely and drained of excess moisture.
Nutritional Information
| NUTRIENT | AMOUNT PER SERVING |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fats | 15 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
Tips and Tricks
- Flour Mixture: For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the tuna by repeating the egg and flour coating process twice.
- Balancing the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or sourness by adding more sugar or lime juice according to your taste preference.
- Chilies: If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the number of bird’s eye chilies, or add a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Oyster Sauce Substitute: If you are allergic to shellfish, replace the oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or soy sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Add-ons
- Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the sauce for a colorful and nutritious boost.
- Proteins: You can replace tuna with other types of fish or even chicken for variation.
Side Dishes
- Steamed Rice: Plain steamed rice is the perfect accompaniment to balance out the bold flavors of the sweet and sour sauce.
- Stir-fried Vegetables: Serve with stir-fried bok choy or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: Add some spring rolls as a crunchy side dish to complement the tender tuna.
Improvements
- Healthier Version: For a healthier option, you can bake the tuna instead of frying it. Simply coat the tuna as instructed, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until crispy.
- Flavor Enhancements: Adding a dash of sesame oil to the sauce or garnishing the dish with toasted sesame seeds can enhance the flavor profile.
Save and Store
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the tuna and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the fried tuna may become soggy upon reheating.
FAQ
1. Can I use other types of fish?
Yes, you can substitute tuna with other firm fish like mahi-mahi, snapper, or even salmon.
2. How do I make the dish less spicy?
You can reduce or omit the bird’s eye chilies to make the dish less spicy. The large red chilies can also be deseeded for a milder taste.
3. What can I use as a gluten-free substitute for the flour?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a substitute for the crispy flour and all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Tuna (Ikan Tuna Asam Manis) is a versatile dish that delivers a harmonious blend of flavors—crispy, tangy, sweet, and savory. Whether served as a main course or part of a larger feast, this dish is sure to please both your palate and your guests. Its simplicity in preparation makes it an excellent choice for cooks of all skill levels, while the richness of its flavors ensures it will become a favorite at any table.
