Ikan Cue’ Tongkol Kemangi
This delightful Indonesian dish features tender smoked tuna infused with aromatic basil, creating a harmony of flavors that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. Follow these simple steps to prepare this savory meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces smoked tuna (ikan cue tongkol)
- 3-5 bunches of fresh basil leaves (daun kemangi)
- 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 1 kaffir lime leaf (daun jeruk)
- 4 red chilies, sliced (cabe merah)
For the Spice Paste:

- To taste: Red bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah)
- To taste: Red chilies (cabe merah)
- 5 shallots (bawang merah)
- 6 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
- To taste: Pepper (lada)
- 1 small piece of ginger (jahe)
- To taste: Salt and sugar
- Water, as needed
Instructions
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Prepare the Tuna: Start by shredding the smoked tuna into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a pleasant texture that will absorb the flavors beautifully. Rinse the basil leaves thoroughly to remove any impurities and set them aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, blend together the red bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, pepper, and ginger until you achieve a smooth paste. This fragrant mixture is essential for building the dish’s flavor.
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Cook the Spices: In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes aromatic and is halfway cooked. This step is crucial for developing the depth of flavor in the dish.
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Add Aromatics: Incorporate the sliced kaffir lime leaf and bay leaves into the skillet. Continue to cook until the leaves are fragrant and the spices are fully cooked through. Add a sufficient amount of water to create a savory broth.
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Combine the Ingredients: Gently fold in the shredded smoked tuna, stirring well to ensure that the fish is evenly coated with the spice mixture. If you prefer a saucier dish, add more water at this stage. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar according to your preference.
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Finish with Freshness: Add the sliced red chilies and fresh basil leaves to the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together. Cook until the dish comes to a gentle boil, which should only take a few minutes.
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Serve: Once the dish is bubbling and aromatic, turn off the heat. Your Ikan Cue’ Tongkol Kemangi is ready to be served! Pair it with steaming hot rice for a satisfying meal that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This Ikan Cue’ Tongkol Kemangi recipe is not only easy to prepare but also captures the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and spices, making it a wonderful addition to any dinner table. Enjoy your culinary creation with loved ones, and relish in the compliments that are sure to come your way!