Tongkol Bumbu Sambal: Spicy Tuna in Sambal Sauce
Indulge in the robust flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this recipe for Tongkol Bumbu Sambal. This dish features tender pieces of tuna cooked in a fiery sambal sauce made from a vibrant mix of chilies, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Perfect for those who love a spicy kick, this recipe is both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 5 pieces of tuna (tongkol), cleaned and drained
- 25 small red chilies (cabe rawit)
- 2 large red chilies, seeds removed
- 7 shallots (bawang merah)
- 3 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 4 tomatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon toasted shrimp paste (terasi bakar)
- Cooking oil, as needed
- Salt and sugar, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tuna:
- Clean the tuna pieces thoroughly and let them drain. Lightly fry the tuna in a pan with a small amount of oil until just cooked. Set aside.
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Cook the Spices:
- In a pan, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Add the small red chilies, large red chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes. Sauté until the ingredients are softened and fragrant, but not completely wilted. Remove from heat and drain.
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Make the Sambal:
- Transfer the cooked chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes to a mortar and pestle or food processor. Add the toasted shrimp paste, salt, and sugar. Grind or blend until the mixture forms a smooth, aromatic paste.
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Sauté the Sambal:
- In the same pan used for frying the spices, add about 3 tablespoons of the leftover cooking oil. Heat the oil and add the sambal paste. Sauté the paste until it becomes fragrant and the flavors meld together.
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Combine and Cook:
- Add the fried tuna pieces to the pan with the sambal. Stir well to ensure the tuna is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or sugar if needed.
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Serve:
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve hot, and enjoy this spicy, flavorful tuna dish as a main course with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
This Tongkol Bumbu Sambal is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create an unforgettable meal. The blend of spicy chilies, savory shrimp paste, and tangy tomatoes creates a deliciously balanced sauce that elevates the tender tuna. Enjoy the rich and vibrant flavors of this Indonesian classic at home!
