Ikan Tongkol Sambal Ijo: A Spicy Tuna Delight
Introduction:
Indulge in the rich and flavorful world of Indonesian cuisine with this delightful recipe for Ikan Tongkol Sambal Ijo. This dish features tuna cooked to perfection, bathed in a vibrant green chili sambal that brings a beautiful blend of heat and aroma. Perfectly paired with warm rice, this meal is sure to satisfy your culinary cravings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ikan Tongkol (Tuna) | 250 grams |
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 7 cloves |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 7 cloves |
| Green Bird’s Eye Chili | 50 grams |
| Large Green Chili | 2 pieces |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper (Lada) | to taste |
| Cooking Oil | as needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tuna:
Start by cleaning the ikan tongkol thoroughly. Then, crush the garlic and a pinch of salt together to create a seasoning paste. Rub this mixture onto the cleaned tuna, allowing it to marinate for a few minutes. Heat oil in a pan and fry the seasoned ikan tongkol until it is fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove it from the pan and shred the fish into larger pieces, ensuring you maintain some texture for a satisfying bite. -
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Make the Sambal:
In a blender, combine the shallots, garlic, green bird’s eye chili, and large green chili. Blend these ingredients into a fine paste, adding a bit of salt to facilitate the process. This sambal will serve as the flavorful base of the dish. -
Cook the Sambal:
Heat a wok or large frying pan and add about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, pour in the sambal mixture. Sauté the sambal until it becomes fragrant and the oil begins to separate, signaling that the flavors have developed. -
Combine the Ingredients:
Add the shredded ikan tongkol back into the pan with the sambal. Stir well to ensure the fish is coated with the spicy mixture. If the sambal seems too dry, you can add a splash of water. Season with a bit of salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the dish to cook for an additional few minutes, letting the flavors meld together. -
Serve:
Once the sambal has infused the ikan tongkol beautifully, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the dish to a serving plate and enjoy it warm alongside steaming rice.
Conclusion:
Ikan Tongkol Sambal Ijo is a deliciously spicy dish that celebrates the bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine. With its aromatic sambal and tender tuna, it’s perfect for a cozy meal or a gathering with loved ones. Enjoy this culinary adventure and delight in the symphony of flavors it brings to your table. Happy cooking!
