Fried Tongkol with Fresh Sambal

Dive into the delightful flavors of Fried Tongkol with Fresh Sambal, a traditional Indonesian dish that showcases the robust taste of skipjack tuna. This recipe combines tender fish with vibrant sambal, making it a perfect companion for warm rice. Let’s explore the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering meal!

Ingredients

For the Fried Tongkol

• 1 medium-sized skipjack tuna (tongkol), cleaned and skin removed
• 1 clove of garlic, finely minced

For the Fresh Sambal

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit), sliced thinly to taste
• 1 tomato, deseeded and diced
• Lemon slices
• A pinch of salt

For the Sweet Soy Sauce Sambal

• 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• Bird’s eye chili, sliced diagonally to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: Begin by cutting the cleaned skipjack tuna into manageable pieces. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic with a sprinkle of salt and enough water to create a marinade. Soak the fish pieces in this mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

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2. Fry the Tongkol: Heat oil in a frying pan until hot. Carefully place the marinated fish into the oil, frying until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the oil and set aside.

3. Make the Fresh Sambal: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced shallots, sliced bird’s eye chili, diced tomato, lemon slices, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors, creating a vibrant and fresh sambal.

4. Prepare the Sweet Soy Sauce Sambal: In another bowl, mix the sweet soy sauce with the sliced bird’s eye chili. This sambal adds a delightful sweetness to complement the dish.

5. Serve: Plate the fried skipjack tuna and serve it alongside the fresh sambal and sweet soy sauce sambal. This dish pairs beautifully with steaming hot rice for a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy every delicious bite! 😋

Tips for the Perfect Dish

• Adjust the level of spiciness in the sambal according to your preference by varying the amount of bird’s eye chili.
• For an extra touch, serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal.

This Fried Tongkol with Fresh Sambal is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and a true representation of home-cooked goodness. Enjoy this recipe, and let your kitchen resonate with the aromas of Indonesia!