Smoky Coconut Mackerel with Tempeh (Mangut Tongkol)

Mangut Tongkol: Smoky Mackerel in Coconut Sauce

A delightful dish from Indonesia, Mangut Tongkol offers a flavorful combination of smoky mackerel (tongkol) and rich coconut sauce. The slight heat from chilies combined with the creamy coconut milk creates an irresistible balance of flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Main Ingredients:
   Begin by frying the sliced mackerel and tempeh until they are half-cooked. This step helps to enhance the texture and flavor, making them slightly crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside.

2. Slice the Aromatics:
   Thinly slice the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, and large red chilies. These aromatic ingredients form the base of the dish’s flavor profile.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the sliced shallots, garlic, and chilies until they become soft and fragrant. Stir frequently to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

4. Add Water and Simmer:
   Pour in a small amount of water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the half-cooked tempeh and mackerel to the pan, stirring well to coat the ingredients with the aromatic sauce.

5. Simmer and Infuse Flavors:
   Cover the pan and allow the dish to simmer until it starts boiling, allowing the flavors to meld and soak into the fish and tempeh. The bay leaves and galangal will infuse their earthy aroma into the dish at this stage.

6. Add Coconut Milk:
   Once the flavors are well-combined, pour in the coconut milk. Add salt, sugar, and chicken seasoning to taste. Stir gently to mix the coconut milk into the sauce, ensuring that it doesn’t curdle.

7. Simmer to Perfection:
   Let the dish simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes rich. The sauce should be somewhat creamy but still have a little liquid left, perfect for soaking into steamed rice.

8. Serve with Warm Rice:
   Serve the Mangut Tongkol hot, accompanied by steamed rice for a satisfying, flavorful meal.

Nutritional Information

Enjoy your Mangut Tongkol! This dish’s harmonious blend of rich, spicy, and savory flavors will surely leave you craving for more.