Simple Ikan Tongkol Balado Recipe
Discover the delightful flavors of Indonesia with this Simple Ikan Tongkol Balado, a spicy and savory dish that highlights the succulent taste of skipjack tuna, known locally as ikan tongkol. Perfectly balanced with aromatic spices and heat from chili, this recipe is straightforward, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve a satisfying result that will impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ikan Tongkol (skipjack tuna) | 500 grams |
| For the Spice Paste: | |
| Red Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 7 pieces |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 1 clove |
| Curly Chili Peppers (Cabe Keriting) | 8 pieces |
| Bird’s Eye Chili (Cabe Rawit) | 4 pieces |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Seasoning (Penyedap Rasa) | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the ikan tongkol under running water until the water runs clear, ensuring that any residual blood is removed. This step is crucial, as any remaining impurities can impart a bitter flavor to the fish.
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Make the Spice Paste: Using a blender or traditional mortar and pestle (cobek), blend the red shallots, garlic, curly chili peppers, and bird’s eye chili into a smooth paste. The combination of these ingredients will create a fragrant and spicy base for your dish.
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Fry the Fish: In a large pan, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add the cleaned ikan tongkol and fry until it turns golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
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Prepare the Balado Sauce: In the same pan, using the remaining oil, heat it again until hot. Add the spice paste you prepared earlier into the pan. Sauté the paste for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes aromatic and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
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Combine the Ingredients: Once the spice paste is fragrant, gently place the fried ikan tongkol back into the pan. Stir carefully to coat the fish evenly with the sambal balado. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, ensuring the fish absorbs the flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Simple Ikan Tongkol Balado is now ready to be served. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and can be garnished with fresh herbs for an extra touch. Enjoy your culinary creation, and happy cooking! 😁
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 35 grams |
| Fat | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 8 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | Varies by seasoning |
This Simple Ikan Tongkol Balado is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of Indonesian culinary tradition. Whether it’s a family meal or a gathering with friends, this recipe brings warmth and joy to the table. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the ease of preparation, making it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire!
