Savory Smoked Skipjack Tuna Flakes: Authentic Abon Ikan Tongkol Recipe

Abon Ikan Tongkol: A Savory Flaked Fish Delight

Abon Ikan Tongkol is a delightful Indonesian dish that transforms smoked skipjack tuna into a flavorful, flaky treat. Perfect for serving over rice or as a savory snack, this recipe balances aromatic spices with the rich taste of fish, making it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 small basket of smoked skipjack tuna (approximately 7 pieces)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• For the spice mix:
  • 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 bird’s eye chilies, sliced
• Seasoning:
  • Sugar, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground pepper, to taste
  • Mushroom stock powder, to taste
  • Soy sauce, to taste
• 1 lime, juiced
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: Start by washing the smoked skipjack tuna thoroughly, then steam it for about 15 minutes until heated through. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the fish.

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2. Flake the Fish: Once cooked, gently flake the tuna using a mortar and pestle or your hands until it reaches a coarse texture.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the kaffir lime leaves and sauté until fragrant. Then, introduce the sliced garlic, onion, and chilies. Stir-fry until the ingredients are aromatic and the onions are translucent.

4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the flaked tuna to the pan, followed by a splash of water—just enough to prevent sticking without making the mixture too watery.

5. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the ground pepper, sugar, salt, soy sauce, and mushroom stock powder to taste. Stir the mixture well to ensure the flavors meld together.

6. Add Lime Juice: After a few minutes of cooking, drizzle in the freshly squeezed lime juice. This adds a zesty brightness that elevates the overall flavor profile.

7. Cook to Perfection: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking while stirring frequently. You want the mixture to absorb the flavors and reach your desired level of dryness for a slightly crispy texture.

8. Serve or Store: Once the abon reaches your preferred consistency, it’s ready to be served! You can enjoy it right away or store it in an airtight container for later use.

Tips for Enjoyment

• Abon Ikan Tongkol is incredibly versatile. Serve it over steamed rice, use it as a topping for crackers, or enjoy it as a flavorful filling for wraps.
• For an extra kick, consider adding more bird’s eye chilies based on your spice preference.

This delightful abon dish not only embodies the rich culinary traditions of Indonesia but also showcases the beauty of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Enjoy your cooking journey with this savory recipe!