Tongkol Asam Padeh: A Deliciously Spicy Fish Stew
Embark on a culinary journey with Tongkol Asam Padeh, a flavorful Indonesian dish featuring tuna fish in a rich, spicy, and tangy broth. This recipe captures the essence of Southeast Asian flavors and is perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals. Here’s how to prepare this delightful dish, ensuring every bite is packed with robust flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuna fish (tongkol) | 8 pieces (approximately 100 grams each) |
| Curly chili peppers (cabe keriting) | 7 pieces |
| Red chili peppers (cabe rawit merah) | 10 pieces |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 10 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 5 cloves |
| Tomato | 1 piece |
| Ginger (jahe) | 1 small piece |
| Galangal (lengkuas) | 1 small piece |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 2 leaves |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 2 leaves |
| Lemongrass (sereh) | 1 stalk |
| Tamarind (asam kandis) | 4 pieces |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | 1 packet |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender, combine the curly chili peppers, red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, and tomato. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, creating a fragrant spice paste.
-
-
Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until it becomes aromatic. This step is crucial for developing the flavors of your dish.
-
Add Aromatics: Incorporate the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and tamarind into the pot. Sauté for an additional minute until the aromas are released.
-
Simmer the Broth: Pour in enough water to create a broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, you can add the flavor enhancer (if using) and salt to taste.
-
Cook the Fish: Gently place the pieces of tuna fish into the boiling broth. Be careful not to stir too often to prevent the fish from breaking apart. Allow the dish to simmer until the broth reduces slightly and thickens, approximately 15-20 minutes.
-
Taste and Adjust: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices according to your preference.
-
Serve: Once the broth has thickened and the fish is cooked through, remove from heat and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and is sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Enjoy Your Meal!
Tongkol Asam Padeh is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to the heart of Indonesia. The combination of fresh fish and aromatic spices will make this dish a favorite in your kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!
