Authentic Mie Cakalang from Manado

Experience the vibrant flavors of Indonesia with this delightful recipe for Mie Cakalang, a beloved dish from Manado that combines savory noodles with tender flaked fish and fresh greens, topped with a spicy sambal. This dish is not only comforting but also a wonderful representation of Indonesian culinary heritage.

Ingredients

For the Noodle Dish:

• 250 grams fresh noodles (mie basah)
• ½ portion of cakalang or tuna fish (ikan cakalang / tongkol)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 leaves green mustard greens (sawi hijau), chopped
• 1 stalk green onion (bawang pre), sliced
• 1 block tofu, diced
• Salt, to taste
• Mushroom broth powder (kaldu jamur), to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fried shallots (bawang goreng), for garnish
• Water, as needed

For the Sambal:

• 1 clove garlic
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vinegar

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Begin by finely grinding the cakalang or tuna fish until smooth, then fry until golden and crispy. Once cooked, set aside to drain any excess oil.

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2. Chop the Vegetables:
   Mince the garlic, slice the green onion, and chop the mustard greens. Dice the tofu into small cubes.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the minced garlic and sliced green onion until fragrant. Add one tablespoon of the cooked fish and stir well.

4. Combine the Ingredients:
   Incorporate the diced tofu into the pan, seasoning with salt, mushroom broth powder, and pepper. Then, add the chopped mustard greens and stir until they are tender, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle boil.

5. Assemble the Dish:
   Place the cooked noodles on a serving plate. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Pour the flavorful broth over the noodles, then top with additional flaked fish and a sprinkle of fried shallots for that extra crunch.

6. Make the Sambal:
   In a small bowl, combine the garlic, bird’s eye chilies, salt, and vinegar. Blend until smooth, creating a spicy sambal to serve alongside your dish.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Your Mie Cakalang is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot, garnished with the sambal for an added kick. Selamat makan! 😊

Nutritional Information

This dish is not only a delicious meal but also packed with nutrients from the fresh vegetables and protein from the fish and tofu.

This Mie Cakalang recipe encapsulates the essence of Manado’s rich culinary tradition, providing a satisfying and flavorful experience that will transport you straight to Indonesia with every bite. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to delight everyone at your table. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of Indonesia today!