Spicy Grilled Tuna with Tofu and Eggplant

Grilled Tuna in Spicy Sauce (Ikan Tongkol Panggang Masak Pedas)

This flavorful recipe for Grilled Tuna in Spicy Sauce combines succulent grilled tuna with a rich, aromatic spice mix. The addition of fried tofu and optional coconut milk adds depth and creaminess to this dish, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 kg Grilled Tuna (or fresh tuna, grilled or broiled to your preference)
• 1 Eggplant (cut into cubes, optional)
• 1 package Tofu (fried until half-cooked)
• 5 Shallots
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• Coconut Milk (optional, to taste)
• Candlenuts (to taste)
• Coriander Seeds (to taste)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• 10 Red Chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Kaffir Lime Leaves (a few, torn into pieces)
• Bay Leaves (a few)
• Galangal (a few slices)
• Lemongrass (a stalk, bruised)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tuna:

   • If you haven’t purchased pre-grilled tuna, grill or broil the tuna until it’s cooked through and has a slight char. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic cloves, red chilies, candlenuts, and coriander seeds. Blend until smooth. You may need to add a little water to help the blending process.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a bit of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and cook until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.

4. Add Whole Spices:

   • Add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, galangal, and bruised lemongrass to the pan. Stir to combine with the paste.

5. Incorporate Tofu and Eggplant:

   • Add the fried tofu and eggplant cubes to the pan. Stir to coat them with the spice mixture.

6. Add Liquids:

   • Pour in water to cover the ingredients, and if using, add coconut milk for a richer flavor. Stir well.

7. Season:

   • Season the mixture with sugar, salt, and adjust the amount of spices according to your taste. Let it simmer until the tofu and eggplant are tender and the flavors meld together.

8. Combine with Grilled Tuna:

   • Gently fold in the pre-grilled tuna, making sure it is well-coated with the spicy sauce. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until the tuna is heated through and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.

9. Serve:

   • Once the dish is well-cooked and aromatic, transfer it to a serving dish. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a flavorful side.

Enjoy this rich and spicy grilled tuna dish as a centerpiece of your meal, bringing an exotic touch and deep flavors to your table.