Spicy Indonesian Tuna Stir-Fry with Crunchy Bean Sprouts

Tumis Tongkol Tauge Pedas (Spicy Indonesian Tuna Stir-Fry with Bean Sprouts)

Ingredients:

• 1 small salted tuna (ikan pindang tongkol), cleaned and cut into 4 cm pieces
• A handful of bean sprouts (tauge), roots removed and rinsed
• 50 ml water
• Cooking oil, as needed

For the Spice Mix:

• 3 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 large red chili, sliced in half and thinly sliced
• 3 small red bird’s eye chilies, finely sliced
• 1 medium ripe tomato, chopped
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, knotted or lightly bruised
• 1 sachet sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tuna:

   • Slice the salted tuna lengthwise, remove the central bones, and cut into approximately 4 cm pieces. Rinse the pieces under cold water.

2. Fry the Tuna:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the tuna pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.

3. Cook the Spice Mix:

   • In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the sliced shallots, garlic, red chili, bird’s eye chilies, tomato, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves until fragrant and softened.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Pour in the water and add the fried tuna pieces to the pan. Season with salt, ground black pepper, sweet soy sauce, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce slightly thickens and reduces.

5. Add Bean Sprouts:

   • Just before finishing, add the bean sprouts to the pan. Stir briefly to mix, ensuring the sprouts remain crisp and are lightly cooked.

6. Serve:

   • Turn off the heat and serve the Tumis Tongkol Tauge Pedas hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy this vibrant and spicy dish that brings the flavors of Indonesia to your table!