Tongkol Balado Rawit: A Spicy Tuna Delight
Tongkol Balado Rawit is a vibrant Indonesian dish that combines the rich flavors of tuna with a spicy chili sauce, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a kick of heat in their meals, and it showcases the beautiful balance of spices that Indonesian cuisine is known for.
Ingredients
To prepare this tantalizing dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 650 grams of Tongkol (Skipjack Tuna)
- 15 Red Curly Chilies (Cabe Merah Keriting)
- 15 Red Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit Merah)
- 7 Shallots (Bawang Merah)
- 5 Cloves of Garlic (Bawang Putih)
- 1 Finger of Ginger (Jahe)
- 2 Fingers of Galangal (Lengkuas)
- 2 Bay Leaves (Daun Salam)
- 1 Tomato (Tomat)
Preparation Steps
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Fry the Tuna: Begin by frying the tuna pieces until they are half-cooked. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make the fish tough and dry. Aim for a gentle fry that maintains the moisture in the fish.
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Blend the Spices: In a blender or food processor, combine the red curly chilies, red bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, tomato, and ginger. Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth paste, releasing their aromatic flavors.
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Sauté the Spice Mixture: In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste along with the galangal and bay leaves. Sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant, which will take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for bringing out the deep flavors of the spices.
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Add the Tuna: Once the spices are aromatic, gently add the fried tuna to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the fish is thoroughly coated with the spicy mixture. Cook until the flavors meld and the fish absorbs the vibrant sauce, approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Serve: After the dish has cooked and the flavors have infused, remove it from the heat. Transfer the Tongkol Balado Rawit to a serving plate, and it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Enjoying Your Dish
Tongkol Balado Rawit pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of spicy chilies and tender fish creates a harmonious dish that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy this delightful recipe as a centerpiece for any gathering or as a special treat for yourself!
