Ingredients
- 2 whole fresh tuna (ikan tongkol)
- 10 red chilies (cabe merah)
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
- 2 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 5 shallots (bawang merah)
- 1 tomato (tomat)
- Salt, to taste
- Seasoning (optional), to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Water, as needed
Instructions
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Prepare the Tuna: Clean the fresh tuna thoroughly and fry until it is half cooked. Set aside.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Blend the shallots, garlic, and chilies together with a pinch of salt until smooth. Dice the tomato into small cubes.
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Cook the Spice Mixture: Heat a pan and add the blended spice paste. Stir in a little sugar and the diced tomato. Cook until the mixture becomes fragrant and the tomato has softened.
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Add the Tuna: Add a splash of water to the pan, then gently add the fried tuna pieces. Simmer on low heat until the tuna absorbs the flavors and the spices have melded together.
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Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust with additional salt, seasoning, or sugar as needed.
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Serve: Once the flavors are well combined and the tuna is cooked through, your Ikan Tongkol Balado is ready to be served.
Enjoy this flavorful and simple Indonesian dish with steamed rice or as a side to your favorite meal!