Kari Merah Ikan Tongkol (Red Curry Tuna) Recipe
This Indonesian dish, Kari Merah Ikan Tongkol, brings together a rich blend of spices and coconut milk, enveloping the tender pieces of fried tuna in a fragrant, flavorful sauce. With its spicy kick from chili, balanced by the creaminess of coconut milk, and the crunch of long beans, this dish is sure to captivate your taste buds. Served with warm rice, it makes for a delightful meal that showcases the beautiful simplicity and depth of traditional Indonesian flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuna (Ikan Tongkol), cut into pieces (cleaned at the market) | 1 kg |
| Long beans (Kacang Panjang), cut into 3 cm pieces | 1 bunch |
| Green chili peppers, split lengthwise | 8 large |
| Pack of coconut milk (Santan, 65 ml) | 1 small pack |
| Kaffir lime leaves (Daun Jeruk), torn | 2 leaves |
| Lemongrass (Sereh), knotted and smashed | 1 stalk |
| Curry powder (Bubuk Kari) | 1 tsp |
| Chicken stock powder (Kaldu Bubuk) | 1 tsp |
| Salt (Garam) | to taste |
| Cooking oil (Minyak Goreng) | as needed |
| Water | 1.5 cups |
For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus)
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 2 cloves |
| Red chili paste (Cabe Merah Giling) | 2-3 tbsp (adjust to taste) |
| Toasted coriander (Ketumbar Sangrai) | 1/4 tsp |
| Toasted candlenut (Kemiri Sangrai) | 2 nuts |
| Fresh turmeric (Kunyit) | 1-inch piece |
| Fresh ginger (Jahe) | 1-inch piece |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Fry the Tuna | Heat enough cooking oil in a large pan to fry the tuna pieces. Cook the tuna until golden brown on both sides, making sure not to overcook and dry them out. Once done, remove the tuna from the pan and let them drain on paper towels. |
| Step 2: Prepare the Spice Paste | In the same pan, add a little more oil and sauté the spice paste ingredients: shallots, garlic, red chili paste, toasted coriander, candlenut, turmeric, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the mixture becomes aromatic. |
| Step 3: Add the Aromatics | Add the torn kaffir lime leaves and the smashed lemongrass stalk to the pan. Continue to sauté until they release their flavors and the mixture is well-cooked. |
| Step 4: Create the Curry Sauce | Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Add the long beans and stir well. Cook the long beans until they begin to soften. |
| Step 5: Add Coconut Milk and Spices | Once the water is boiling, pour in the coconut milk, then stir in the curry powder, chicken stock powder, and salt. Stir continuously to prevent the coconut milk from curdling. |
| Step 6: Combine Tuna and Simmer | Gently add the fried tuna pieces to the curry sauce. Stir carefully, ensuring the tuna is coated with the sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. |
| Step 7: Add Green Chilies | Just before turning off the heat, add the sliced green chili peppers. Stir them in and cook for a minute or two. (If you like your chilies crunchy, this short cooking time will preserve their texture.) |
| Step 8: Serve | Once the curry has thickened slightly and the flavors are well combined, remove from heat. Serve the Kari Merah Ikan Tongkol warm with steamed rice for a hearty meal. |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
Tips for Perfection:
- For extra richness, you can use full-fat coconut milk, which adds more creaminess to the curry.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili paste and green chilies.
- Be gentle while stirring the tuna once it’s added to the curry sauce to avoid breaking up the fish too much.
- This dish pairs beautifully with white rice or steamed jasmine rice for a truly comforting meal.
This Kari Merah Ikan Tongkol recipe is an excellent representation of Indonesian home cooking, with vibrant flavors and a satisfying balance of textures. Enjoy this delicious and aromatic curry with family and friends, and share the warmth of traditional Indonesian cuisine!
