Tuna Bumbu Kuning: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Ingredients
- 1/2 kg tuna, cut into pieces
- 3 shallots
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tomato
- 1 piece ginger, about the size of your thumb
- 1 piece turmeric, about the size of your thumb
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- A small amount of green onions
- 10 red bird’s eye chilies
- A little oil
- Royko seasoning to taste
- Sasa seasoning to taste
- 250 ml water
Preparation Steps
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Prepare the Tuna: Start by frying the tuna pieces until they are half-cooked. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside to drain any excess oil.
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Create the Spice Paste: Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, blend the shallots, garlic, ginger, and turmeric into a smooth paste. Lightly crush the lemongrass stalk to release its aroma.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant. Add the whole bird’s eye chilies to the pan without slicing them.
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Combine and Simmer: Once the spice paste is aromatic, add the sliced kaffir lime leaves and diced tomato. Stir well and then add the half-cooked tuna pieces back into the pan. Pour in the water, and season with Royko and Sasa to taste.
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Simmer and Finish: Allow the mixture to simmer until the water has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together. If you prefer more sauce, do not let the water reduce too much.
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Serve: Remove from heat and serve your Tuna Bumbu Kuning hot, garnished with a small amount of chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for the Best Tuna Bumbu Kuning
- Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies or remove the seeds.
- Consistency: Adjust the amount of water according to your preference. For a more sauce-like consistency, use more water and let it reduce less.
- Aromatic Enhancements: Adding a few slices of galangal along with the lemongrass can enhance the dish’s fragrance.
This recipe offers a delightful journey into Indonesian cuisine, blending rich spices with the succulent taste of tuna. Perfect for a flavorful dinner that transports you to the tropics. Enjoy!