Cumi Asin Tahu Balado: A Spicy Indonesian Delight
If you’re looking to add a touch of Indonesian spice to your culinary repertoire, Cumi Asin Tahu Balado is a perfect choice. This dish combines salted squid (cumi asin) with tofu (tahu) in a vibrant, flavorful balado sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious and savory meal.
Ingredients
- 1 package of salted squid (cumi asin): Soak in water, then clean and prepare.
- 3 pieces of firm tofu (tahu): Cut into small cubes.
- Salt, sugar, and seasoning: To taste.
For the Spice Paste:
- 5 shallots (bawang merah)
- 2 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
- 6 red curly chilies (cabai merah keriting)
- 6 bird’s eye chilies (cabai rawit)
- 1 tomato
Instructions
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Prepare the Salted Squid:
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the salted squid until crispy and dry. Set aside.
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Cook the Tofu:
- Fry the tofu cubes in the same pan until they are halfway cooked and golden brown. Set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, red curly chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and tomato. Blend until smooth to create a spice paste.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil starts to separate.
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Season the Paste:
- Add sugar, salt, and seasoning to the paste. Stir well and cook until the flavors are well combined and the paste thickens slightly.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Add the fried salted squid and tofu cubes to the spice paste. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients with the spice mix.
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Serve:
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Serve the Cumi Asin Tahu Balado hot with steamed rice for a delightful Indonesian meal.
This dish showcases the bold and spicy flavors typical of Indonesian cuisine, making it a great addition to any home-cooked meal. Enjoy the perfect blend of salty, spicy, and savory tastes with every bite!
