Balado Tongkol: A Spicy Tuna Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delicious Balado Tongkol recipe. Perfectly balanced with spicy chilies and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to add a burst of flavor to your meals. Follow these simple steps to create a delectable Balado Tongkol that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams (1/2 kg) Tongkol (Skipjack Tuna)
- 5 Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit)
- 50 grams (1/2 ounce) Red Chilies (Cabe Merah Keriting)
- 2 Bay Leaves (Daun Salam)
- 1 Thumb-sized Piece of Turmeric (Kunyit)
- 1 Thumb-sized Piece of Galangal (Laos)
- 1 Stalk Lemongrass (Sereh)
- Juice of 1/4 Lemon
- 1 Small Piece of Palm Sugar (Gula Merah)
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Masako (Seasoning Powder)
- 9 Shallots (Bawang Merah)
- 5 Garlic Cloves (Bawang Putih)
- 1 Tomato
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tuna: Start by frying the Tongkol (tuna) until it is golden and cooked through. Season with a bit of salt and minced garlic to enhance the flavor. Set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: Blend together the Bird’s Eye Chilies, Red Chilies, Turmeric, Shallots, and Garlic into a smooth paste. This will be the base of the dish’s rich and spicy flavor.
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Cook the Aromatics: Heat a bit of oil in a pan and sauté the Bay Leaves, Galangal, and Lemongrass until fragrant. Add the spice paste and cook until the aroma is well-developed.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add a small amount of water to the pan with the spice paste, then incorporate the Palm Sugar, Salt, and Masako. Stir well and let it simmer until the sugar is dissolved and the flavors meld together.
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Combine and Cook: Add the fried Tongkol (tuna) to the pan, ensuring it is well-coated with the spice mixture. Toss in the whole Chilies and chopped Tomato. Allow the dish to cook until the sauce thickens and the water reduces.
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Finish and Serve: Once the sauce has reduced and the flavors have fully integrated, remove from heat. Serve your Balado Tongkol hot, garnished as desired.
Enjoy your homemade Balado Tongkol, a dish that brings together the vibrant and bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Perfect for a hearty meal, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Happy cooking!
