Ikan Tongkol Sambalado: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Indulge in the rich and vibrant flavors of Ikan Tongkol Sambalado, a beloved Indonesian dish that features fresh skipjack tuna infused with a spicy sambal. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a dish that bursts with flavor, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

To create this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

500 grams fresh skipjack tuna (ikan tongkol), cleaned and cut into pieces
1 lime (jeruk nipis), for marinating the fish
15 red curly chilies (cabe merah keriting), providing a rich heat
10 red bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah), for an extra kick
4 shallots (bawang merah), finely chopped
2 cloves garlic (bawang putih), minced
1 medium tomato (tomat), diced
1 piece of terasi ABC, grilled (a type of shrimp paste for umami)
2 cm galangal (lengkuas), crushed for aromatic depth
2 bay leaves (daun salam), for a fragrant infusion
2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk), to elevate the flavor profile
½ tablespoon salt (garam), to taste
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (gula pasir), to balance the heat
½ tablespoon mushroom seasoning (kaldu jamur), enhancing the umami essence

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Begin by marinating the fresh skipjack tuna pieces with the juice of the lime. This not only adds a refreshing tang but also helps to tenderize the fish. After marinating briefly, fry the fish in hot oil until just golden. This will give it a lovely texture while allowing the flavors to meld later on.

Step 2: Create the Sambal

In a skillet, heat some oil and fry all the sambal ingredients: the red curly chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, and diced tomato. For the best texture and flavor, it’s preferable to grind these ingredients using a mortar and pestle, which brings out their essence far better than a blender.

Once the ingredients are well-fried and aromatic, add the grilled terasi, along with the crushed galangal, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté until fragrant, and then incorporate a splash of water to create a cohesive sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Next, season the sambal mixture with salt, sugar, and mushroom seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Once your sambal is vibrant and fragrant, gently add the fried skipjack tuna pieces into the pan. Stir to ensure the fish is well-coated with the sambal sauce.

Step 4: Final Touches

Allow the dish to simmer, letting the spices fully infuse into the fish. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Ikan Tongkol Sambalado is best served hot with steamed white rice and a side of fresh vegetables or a simple salad to balance the richness of the dish. This meal is not just a feast for the palate; it’s also a delightful celebration of Indonesian culinary tradition that you can enjoy with family and friends.

Enjoy your culinary journey with Ikan Tongkol Sambalado, a dish that exemplifies love in cooking!