Tongkol Cabe Hijau: A Spicy Tuna Delight
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Tongkol (Skipjack Tuna) | 1/2 kg |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Shallots | 5 pieces |
| Small Green Chili Peppers | 100 grams (approximately) |
| Large Green Chili Peppers | 5 pieces |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | 3 leaves |
| Water | 50 ml |
| Salt | to taste |
| Sugar | to taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fish: Start by marinating the fresh tongkol. In a mortar, crush 2 cloves of garlic together with 2 teaspoons of salt to create a coarse paste. Rub this mixture all over the fish to ensure it is evenly coated. Place the marinated fish in the freezer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
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Fry the Fish: Once the marination time is complete, heat oil in a pan and fry the tongkol until it is half cooked, ensuring it doesn’t become too dry or overcooked. This step is crucial as it helps maintain the fish’s moisture.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In the same mortar, coarsely grind the remaining garlic cloves, shallots, and all the green chilies until you achieve a rough paste. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and sugar according to your taste preference.
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Sauté the Spices: In a clean pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the ground spice mixture along with the kaffir lime leaves. Cook until the spices release their aromatic fragrance, which usually takes a few minutes.
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Combine: Add the 50 ml of water to the sautéed spices and stir to combine. Taste the mixture; if you prefer a slightly salty flavor for this dish, feel free to adjust the seasoning at this stage.
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Finish Cooking: Carefully place the fried tongkol into the pan with the sautéed spices. Gently mix everything together, allowing the fish to soak in the flavors for about 5 minutes.
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Serve: Once done, transfer the dish to a serving platter. Enjoy your Tongkol Cabe Hijau with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Enjoy cooking! Selamat mencoba! 😁
This traditional Indonesian dish is not only flavorful but also highlights the beautiful combination of spices that make it a true culinary gem. The balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes will surely make it a favorite at your table.
