Balado Tongkol: A Spicy Tuna Delight
Balado Tongkol is a deliciously spicy Indonesian dish that features deep-fried tuna simmered in a vibrant chili-tomato sauce. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, this recipe is both flavorful and satisfying. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 10 pieces of tuna (tongkol): Cleaned, deboned, and head removed, then fried until crispy
- Fresh basil leaves: To taste
- For the spice paste:
- 17 small red chilies (cabai rawit): Adjust according to your heat preference
- 4 shallots (bawang merah)
- 3 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
- 1 medium tomato
- Salt and sugar: To taste
- Oil: For sautéing
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending the small red chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomato into a smooth paste. You can use a blender or a mortar and pestle for this step.
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Sauté the Paste: Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste to the pan and sauté until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
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Season the Sauce: Add a small amount of water to the pan along with salt and sugar. Stir well and adjust the seasoning to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
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Combine with Tuna: Gently add the fried tuna pieces to the pan with the spice sauce. Stir carefully to ensure the tuna is well coated with the sauce. Cook until the liquid reduces and the sauce thickens.
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Add Basil: Once the sauce has thickened, add fresh basil leaves. Stir until the basil leaves are wilted and well mixed into the sauce.
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Serve: Turn off the heat and transfer the Balado Tongkol to a serving dish. Enjoy it hot with freshly steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Balado Tongkol is sure to become a favorite with its perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors. Enjoy this dish with your loved ones and savor every bite! 😍🍽️
