Tongkol Balado: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Tongkol Balado is a delightful Indonesian dish that beautifully combines the rich flavors of marinated tuna (tongkol) with a spicy, aromatic sambal. This recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors and want to bring a taste of Indonesia into their kitchens. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering meal that pairs wonderfully with freshly steamed rice.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 1 kg of tongkol (tuna) fish, cut into 6 pieces (discard the head if you prefer)
• Yellow seasoning (prepared ahead of time)

For the Beef:

• 50 grams of diced beef (adds depth to the sambal)

For the Spice Paste:

• 10 red curly chilies
• 4 large red chilies
• 12 shallots
• 1/4 teaspoon of cooked shrimp paste (terasi)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon (Masako)
• 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of cooking vinegar

Additional Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil (sufficient for frying the fish and sautéing the sambal)

Preparation Steps

1. Fry the Fish: Begin by frying the marinated tongkol pieces. For added convenience, you can use pre-seasoned fish that you’ve stored in the freezer. Once cooked, set the fish aside.

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2. Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender, combine the red curly chilies, large red chilies, shallots, shrimp paste, and salt. Blend until you achieve a coarse consistency.

3. Cook the Beef: Heat some vegetable oil in a pan. Add the diced beef and sauté until it’s cooked through. This step is crucial because the oil left from frying the beef will enhance the flavor of your sambal.

4. Sauté the Spice Paste: Using the same oil, add the blended spice paste to the pan. Cook until the mixture begins to combine and release its fragrant oils.

5. Add Seasonings: Once the sambal is aromatic, stir in the sugar, bouillon, and cooking vinegar. Continue to mix until the color of the sambal deepens, indicating it’s cooked but be careful not to let it burn.

6. Combine with Fish and Beef: Gently add the fried fish and cooked beef into the sambal, ensuring everything is well-coated. Stir until combined, then taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.

7. Serve: Once the dish is ready, turn off the heat. Serve your Tongkol Balado immediately with freshly cooked rice from your rice cooker. This dish is so delicious that you’ll find it hard to stay away from the rice cooker!

Tips for Success

• Using Frozen Fish: If you choose to use previously seasoned fish from your freezer, ensure it’s thawed properly for even cooking.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chilies according to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, reduce the number of chilies or substitute them with sweeter varieties.
• Beef Substitute: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip the beef altogether or replace it with a plant-based protein for a similar depth of flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The nutritional values may vary based on exact measurements and cooking methods, but here’s an approximate breakdown:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g

Conclusion

Tongkol Balado is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the heart of Indonesian cuisine into your home. With its balance of spicy sambal and tender fish, it’s a dish that’s bound to impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed on a casual weeknight or during a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on this culinary adventure! Enjoy!