Fresh Tuna in Spicy Red Sauce (Ikan Tongkol Segar Kuah Merah)
Experience the delightful flavors of Indonesia with this vibrant and aromatic dish featuring fresh tuna simmered in a spicy red sauce. Perfect for serving with steamed rice, this recipe beautifully combines the richness of the fish with a medley of herbs and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 whole fresh tuna (ikan tongkol)
- 3 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 1 stalk lemongrass (sereh), bruised
- 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
- 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
- Sugar and salt to taste
- 3 shallots, sliced (bawang merah)
- 1/2 onion, sliced (bawang bombay)
Ground Spice Blend
- 7 shallots
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tomatoes
- 3 candlenuts (kemiri)
- 4 cm ginger
- 7 red chilies (cabe merah)
- 3 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit, optional)
Preparation Steps
-
Prepare the Tuna: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the fresh tuna. Rub the fish with lime juice, allowing it to marinate for a few moments before rinsing it clean.
-
-
Season and Fry: After rinsing, season the fish with salt, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Next, heat some oil in a pan and fry the fish until it is cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
-
Sauté the Spice Blend: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the ground spice blend until fragrant. Add the bay leaves, bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, sliced shallots, and sliced onion, stirring until everything is well combined and aromatic.
-
Combine and Simmer: Gently place the fried tuna back into the pan, mixing it with the sautéed spices. Pour in enough water to cover the fish, then add sugar and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Final Touches: Once the dish reaches a rolling boil, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
-
Serve: Transfer the delicious fish to a serving dish, and enjoy it with steamed rice. This dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and enticing aroma!
Enjoy your meal! 😊
