Spicy Indonesian Sardines in Savory Lemongrass Sauce

Sarden Pindang Tongkol Recipe

Sarden Pindang Tongkol, a delightful Indonesian dish, showcases the rich flavors of the sea through tender tongkol fish (a type of tuna). Infused with aromatic spices and a savory sauce, this dish makes for a satisfying meal that can be served alongside steamed rice or as a part of a larger feast. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure and learn how to prepare this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

To create this enticing Sarden Pindang Tongkol, you will need the following ingredients:

Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a flavorful Sarden Pindang Tongkol that will impress your family and friends:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Begin by blending the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, ripe tomato, coriander, and black pepper in a food processor until you achieve a smooth paste. This aromatic blend will be the base of your dish.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • In a large pan, heat a sufficient amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the spice paste and sauté it for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and releases its oils.

3. Add Lemongrass:

   • Incorporate the bruised lemongrass stalk into the pan, stirring it in with the sautéed spice mixture. Allow the lemongrass to wilt slightly, which will enhance the overall flavor profile of your dish.

4. Create the Sauce:

   • Pour in enough water to cover the spice mixture, and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and add the sugar, salt, seasoning, and tomato ketchup. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Incorporate the Fried Fish:

   • Gently place the fried tongkol fish into the simmering sauce. Let the fish cook in the sauce for approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Make sure to occasionally spoon the sauce over the fish for an even distribution of flavor.

6. Adjust the Seasoning:

   • After the fish has cooked and the sauce has thickened, taste it and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, sugar, or seasoning as needed. The dish should be a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once the Sarden Pindang Tongkol is ready, remove it from the heat. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside steamed rice or your choice of side dishes. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the comfort of this traditional Indonesian dish.

Nutritional Information

While specific nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (assuming four servings total):

This Sarden Pindang Tongkol recipe captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine, highlighting the use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Enjoy this dish as a comforting meal that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Indonesia!