Ikan Tongkol Balado: A Spicy Tuna Delight
Ikan Tongkol Balado is a vibrant Indonesian dish that showcases the rich flavors of spicy chili and tender tuna. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a burst of taste that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for serving with steamed rice, this dish can be a star at any mealtime, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 10 pieces | Tuna (ikan tongkol), sliced |
| 2 leaves | Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) |
| To taste | Cooking oil (minyak) |
| To taste | Salt (garam) |
| For the Spice Paste: | |
| 4 | Shallots (bawang merah) |
| 2 | Garlic cloves (bawang putih) |
| 15 | Curly red chilies (cabe merah keriting) |
| 10 | Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit setan) |
| 1/2 | Large tomato (tomat besar) |
| To taste | Palm sugar (gula merah) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tuna: Start by lightly frying the sliced tuna in a pan with enough oil until it is just cooked through. This will give the fish a nice texture and flavor base for the dish.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a separate frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the finely blended spice paste made from the shallots, garlic, curly red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and large tomato. Sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant and changes color, releasing its aromatic oils.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the fried tuna pieces to the spice mixture, along with the kaffir lime leaves and salt. Stir gently to ensure the fish is well coated with the spicy paste.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding palm sugar or more salt as necessary. The sweetness of the sugar will balance the heat of the chilies.
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Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, transfer the Ikan Tongkol Balado to a serving platter. Enjoy this dish warm, ideally served with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 320 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Cooking Tips
- Fish Selection: While tuna is traditionally used, you can also substitute it with other firm fish varieties based on availability.
- Heat Level: Adjust the number of bird’s eye chilies to match your preferred spice level.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a simple cucumber salad or steamed vegetables for a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.
Ikan Tongkol Balado is a dish that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine, combining fresh ingredients and bold flavors that are sure to impress. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe will be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the experience of creating this delectable dish and sharing it with loved ones!
