Kotokan Ikan Tongkol: A Delicious Indonesian Delight

Indulge in the rich flavors of Kotokan Ikan Tongkol, a beloved Indonesian dish that combines tender fish with savory tofu and aromatic spices. This recipe is perfect for those looking to explore traditional Southeast Asian cuisine while creating a comforting meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

To prepare this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 10 pieces of white tuna fish (Ikan Tongkol), fried until halfway cooked
• 5 pieces of white tofu, cut and fried until halfway cooked
• 1 piece of ginger, crushed
• 1 piece of galangal, crushed
• 5 leaves of kaffir lime (Daun Jeruk)
• 2 packets of coconut milk (Santana Kara)
• 4 green chilies, sliced diagonally
• Cooking oil (as needed)
• Water (as needed)
• Salt (to taste)
• Sugar (to taste)

Spice Paste

For the spice paste, you will need to blend together:

• 3 candlenuts (Kemiri)
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 7 shallots
• 1 piece of turmeric
• Bird’s eye chili (adjust according to your spice preference; omit for a milder dish)

Preparation Steps

1. Sauté the Spice Paste: Begin by heating a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant, allowing the delightful aromas to fill your kitchen.

2. Add Aromatics: Incorporate the crushed ginger, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, sliced green chilies, salt, and sugar into the sautéed mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors.

3. Combine with Liquid: Pour in the water and coconut milk, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Allow this mixture to simmer gently, creating a rich base for your dish.

4. Introduce the Tofu and Fish: Carefully add the fried tofu and the halfway cooked white tuna fish to the pan. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the fish and tofu are well-coated with the flavorful sauce.

5. Simmer and Serve: Cover the pan and let the dish simmer until it reaches a gentle boil. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the ingredients to absorb the aromatic broth. Stir occasionally and cook until everything is well incorporated and heated through.

6. Final Touches: Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Kotokan Ikan Tongkol hot, pairing it with steamed rice for a complete meal that your family will adore.

Enjoying Kotokan Ikan Tongkol

This delectable dish showcases the harmony of textures and flavors, with the tender fish complemented by the soft tofu and the fragrant spice mix. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or looking to impress guests, Kotokan Ikan Tongkol is sure to be a hit at the dining table. Enjoy the warmth of homemade cooking with this Indonesian classic that embodies the spirit of love through food.