Spicy Green Chili Tuna (Ikan Tongkol Pedas Cabe Ijo)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh tuna (Ikan tongkol), cut into cubes | 250 grams |
| Red shallots (bawang merah), thinly sliced | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih), thinly sliced | 3 cloves |
| Green chilies (cabe ijo), thinly sliced | 3 pieces |
| Red chili (cabe merah), thinly sliced | 1 piece |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 13 pieces |
| Palm sugar (gula merah) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger (jahe), grated | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Chicken broth powder (Royco) | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
| Lime juice | From 1 lime |
| Water | As needed |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tuna:
- Clean the fresh tuna and cut it into bite-sized cubes.
- Rub the tuna pieces with a little salt and lime juice to eliminate any fishy odor. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Heat some cooking oil in a pan and fry the tuna until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind together the bird’s eye chilies, ginger, and palm sugar until you achieve a smooth paste. Set aside.
-
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a separate pan, heat a bit of cooking oil.
- Sauté the sliced shallots and garlic until they become fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add the chili paste you prepared earlier and continue to stir-fry until the raw smell disappears.
-
Cook the Tuna:
- Add the fried tuna to the sautéed spice mixture. Stir well to ensure that the fish is evenly coated with the spices.
- Pour in a small amount of water, just enough to create a bit of sauce.
- Add the sweet soy sauce, salt, and chicken broth powder to taste. Stir to combine.
-
Finish the Dish:
- Let the dish simmer until the sauce thickens and the flavors are fully absorbed into the fish. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Just before removing from the heat, add the sliced green and red chilies. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to soften them slightly but maintain their crunch and vibrant color.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the spicy tuna dish to a serving plate and serve hot with steamed white rice.
Serving Suggestion:
This flavorful and spicy tuna dish pairs perfectly with a simple plate of hot, steamed rice. You can serve it alongside fresh cucumber slices or stir-fried greens to balance the heat of the chilies. Enjoy!
