Indonesian Spiced Tuna Stew with Fresh Herbs

Woku Ikan Tuna: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Dish

Woku Ikan Tuna is a vibrant and aromatic Indonesian dish that showcases the rich flavors of tuna fish combined with a medley of fresh herbs and spices. This recipe will guide you through creating a beautifully spiced tuna dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice and a side of water spinach.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole tuna fish (cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 8 shallots, peeled
• 5 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 4 candlenuts
• Red chilies (adjust quantity to your spice preference)
• Fresh turmeric root (or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric)
• Fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
• 2 bay leaves, finely sliced
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
• 1 handful of sweet basil leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, as a substitute for seasoning
• Cooking oil, for sautéing
• Water, as needed

Steps:

1. Prepare the Tuna:

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   • Cut the tuna fish into small pieces and rinse thoroughly. To reduce the fishy smell, rub the pieces with lime juice and set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, red chilies, fresh turmeric, and ginger into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until fragrant and golden brown.

4. Combine with Tuna:

   • Add the tuna pieces to the pan and stir to coat the fish evenly with the spice paste. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the fish starts to brown slightly.

5. Add Herbs and Leaves:

   • Incorporate the finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and bruised lemongrass into the pan. Stir well to combine.

6. Simmer:

   • Pour in enough water to cover the tuna partially. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the fish is fully cooked and the flavors meld together, and the liquid reduces slightly.

7. Finish the Dish:

   • Add the sweet basil leaves and any large pieces of red chili or tomato for garnish. Adjust seasoning with salt and a bit of sugar to balance the flavors.

8. Serve:

   • Remove the pan from heat. Serve the Woku Ikan Tuna hot with steamed rice and a side of water spinach (cha kangkung) for a complete and satisfying meal.

This recipe offers a delightful mix of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors, making it a standout dish for any meal. Enjoy your Woku Ikan Tuna and let its vibrant taste transport you to the heart of Indonesian cuisine.