Title: Ikan Tongkol Balado Terasi: A Fiery Tuna Delight
Ikan Tongkol Balado Terasi is a traditional Indonesian dish that brings together the robust flavors of tuna and a spicy chili paste, resulting in a dish that is both aromatic and full of character. The marriage of fresh fish, zesty spices, and the unique flavor of terasi (fermented shrimp paste) creates an explosion of taste that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Here’s how to prepare this delectable meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh tuna (tongkol) | 1 medium-sized fish |
| Lime (jeruk nipis) | 1, juiced |
| Salt (garam) | to taste |
| Spice Paste: | |
| Red curly chilies (cabe keriting merah) | 10 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah) | 3 pieces |
| Tomato | 1/2, chopped |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 3, peeled |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 1 clove, peeled |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 3 leaves |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | thumb-sized piece, crushed |
| Terasi (ABC shrimp paste) | 1 piece |
| Sugar (gula) | to taste |
| Water | as needed |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Preparation Steps
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by thoroughly washing the tuna to remove any impurities. Once cleaned, rub the fish with lime juice and sprinkle with salt. Allow it to marinate for approximately 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
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Fry the Fish: After marination, heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated tuna in the pan. Fry until it is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Make the Spice Paste: While the fish is frying, prepare the spice paste by blending the red curly chilies, bird’s eye chilies, chopped tomato, shallots, and garlic until smooth. Do not include the kaffir lime leaves, galangal, or terasi in the blender.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In the same frying pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, and pour in the blended spice paste. Sauté the mixture over medium heat until it becomes fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Aromatics: Once the spice paste is cooked, add the kaffir lime leaves, crushed galangal, terasi, salt, sugar, and a small amount of water to the pan. Stir well to combine the flavors and adjust the seasoning to taste. You may add a little more water if the mixture appears too thick.
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Combine the Fish and Sauce: Gently add the fried tuna back into the pan with the sautéed spices. Carefully toss the fish in the spice mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors from the sauce.
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Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the Ikan Tongkol Balado Terasi to a serving plate. It can be served with steamed rice and a side of vegetables to create a complete meal that highlights the vibrant and spicy essence of Indonesian cuisine.
Enjoying Your Meal
This Ikan Tongkol Balado Terasi dish offers a delightful balance of heat, acidity, and savory flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece for your next meal. The spice levels can be adjusted according to your preference, allowing everyone to enjoy a bite of this Indonesian classic. Pair it with a refreshing drink, and you have a truly satisfying dining experience. Happy cooking!
