Ikan Tongkol Suwir Pedas: A Spicy Flaked Tuna Delight
Ikan Tongkol Suwir Pedas is a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian dish featuring tender flaked skipjack tuna, seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs. This recipe promises a deliciously spicy experience that’s perfect for serving alongside steamed rice or as part of a larger feast. Let’s dive into the details of creating this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
For the Ikan Tongkol:
- 1 whole skipjack tuna (ikan tongkol)
- Salt to taste
- 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
- 1 lime (jeruk nipis), juiced
- 100 ml water
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (gula pasir)
- ½ teaspoon powdered broth (kaldu bubuk)
- Oil for frying (seperlunya)
Spice Paste:
- 3 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 10 large red chilies (cabe merah besar)
- 6 shallots (bawang merah)
- 10 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Fish
Begin by cleaning the whole skipjack tuna thoroughly. Once cleaned, season the fish generously with salt to enhance its flavor.
Step 2: Frying the Fish
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Carefully place the seasoned skipjack tuna into the hot oil and fry until it turns golden brown. It’s essential to monitor the cooking time closely; you want the fish to be crispy on the outside while ensuring the flesh remains moist and tender on the inside. Overcooking can lead to dry meat, making it challenging to flake later.
Once the fish is fried to perfection, remove it from the oil and allow any excess oil to drain off. Set the fish aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Shredding the Fish
After the tuna has cooled down, gently flake the meat using your fingers or a fork, taking care to remove any bones. Transfer the flaked fish to a bowl and set it aside for later.
Step 4: Preparing the Spice Paste
In the meantime, prepare the spice paste. Combine the garlic, large red chilies, shallots, and bird’s eye chilies in a blender or food processor. Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth paste.
Step 5: Sautéing the Spices
In the same skillet used for frying the fish, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste along with the kaffir lime leaves. Sauté the mixture until it becomes aromatic and fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible scents.
Step 6: Creating the Sauce
Pour in the water and add the seasoning ingredients: salt, powdered broth, and granulated sugar. Stir well to combine all the flavors, and allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens and bubbles gently.
Step 7: Mixing the Fish with Spices
Once the spice mixture has thickened, add the flaked skipjack tuna to the skillet. Gently stir to ensure the fish is evenly coated with the sauce. Continue cooking on low heat until the dish is well combined and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Serving
When the fish is adequately dried and infused with the spices, remove it from the heat. Transfer the Ikan Tongkol Suwir Pedas to a serving plate, and it’s ready to delight your guests or family.
Serving Suggestions
This delectable Ikan Tongkol Suwir Pedas pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed as part of a traditional Indonesian meal. The combination of spices creates a tantalizing experience that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Nutritional Information
While specific nutritional values can vary based on portion sizes and additional ingredients used, this dish is a fantastic source of protein and provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals from the fresh ingredients.
Enjoy creating this spicy, aromatic dish that brings a taste of Indonesia right into your kitchen! With its flavorful components and easy preparation, Ikan Tongkol Suwir Pedas is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
