Spicy Red Tuna and Tofu Delight

Tuna Tahu Bumbu Merah 🐟: A Spicy Indonesian Delight

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g tuna fish, cleaned and cut into chunks
• 6 pieces of firm tofu, cut into cubes (you can use regular tofu, but make sure to fry it until half-cooked)

For the Spice Paste:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 large onion (I use yellow onion due to availability)
• 5 red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 3 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)

Additional Seasonings:

• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cm galangal, smashed
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Additional palm sugar to taste
• Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tuna and Tofu:

   • Clean the tuna thoroughly, cut it into chunks, and set aside.
   • Cut the tofu into cubes and fry them until they are lightly golden and firm. Set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, onion, red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies. Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste, bay leaves, and smashed galangal. Sauté until the mixture releases its aroma and the oil starts to separate.

4. Combine and Simmer:

   • Pour in the water and bring to a simmer.
   • Add the tuna chunks and tofu cubes to the pan. Stir gently to combine.

5. Season and Cook:

   • Stir in the sweet soy sauce, palm sugar, and salt. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
   • Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the fish from breaking apart. Be mindful of the heat to avoid burning the sugar.

6. Final Touches:

   • Let the dish simmer until the flavors meld together and the sauce reduces to a desirable consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. Serve:

   • Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, your Tuna Tahu Bumbu Merah is ready to be served. Enjoy it with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal.

This recipe brings together the richness of tuna and tofu with a vibrant red sauce, offering a delightful blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors typical of Indonesian cuisine.