Krecek / Oseng Pindang Ikan Tongkol Recipe
This delightful Indonesian dish, known as Krecek or Oseng Pindang Ikan Tongkol, is a flavorful stir-fry featuring pindang tongkol (tuna in a salted and fermented style) with aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for those who enjoy vibrant, spicy, and savory dishes with a rich depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 10 small pieces of pindang tongkol (salted tuna)
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Chicken bouillon powder, to taste
- Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), to taste
- 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, crushed
- 1 stalk of green onion, cut into 1 cm pieces
- Water, as needed
For the Spice Mix (all sliced):
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 onion
- 5 large red chilies (cabe gendot)
- 5 small red chilies (cabe rawit merah)
- 1 tomato
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Base: Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, onion, crushed ginger, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
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Add Chilies and Tomato: Incorporate the large and small red chilies, along with the tomato into the pan. Stir and cook until the tomato softens and the chilies begin to release their aroma.
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Simmer: Pour in about half a cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Add Pindang Tongkol: Gently place the pindang tongkol pieces into the pan. Season with salt, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and sweet soy sauce. Stir well to coat the fish with the spices and sauce.
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Cook Until Done: Allow the dish to cook until the fish is thoroughly heated, the spices have infused into the fish, and the liquid has reduced. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Krecek with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal spread.
This recipe combines the savory taste of pindang tongkol with a fragrant and spicy sauce, making it a truly memorable dish that showcases the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.
