Sambal Ikan Tongkol: A Flavorful Delight
Sambal Ikan Tongkol is a beloved dish that showcases the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine. This recipe combines tender fish with a spicy sambal that tantalizes the taste buds, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Here, we guide you through the steps to create this delightful dish, ensuring a memorable culinary experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ikan Tongkol (Skipjack Tuna) | 2 whole fish |
| Cooking Oil | As needed for sautéing |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Royco (seasoning powder) | A pinch |
| Shrimp Paste (Terasi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Spices | |
| Red Chilies (Cabe Rawit) | 25 (adjust to taste) |
| Tomatoes | 2 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Shallots | 7 cloves |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Varies by serving size |
| Protein | High |
| Fat | Moderate |
| Carbohydrates | Low |
| Sodium | Moderate |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by cutting the Ikan Tongkol into manageable pieces—four sections work well for even cooking. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and briefly fry the fish pieces until they are just cooked through. This step helps to lock in the flavor and ensures the fish maintains its moisture.
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Sauté the Spices: In a separate pan, heat a bit of oil and add the ground spices mixture. This mixture consists of red chilies, tomatoes, garlic, and shallots, which you should blend or pound into a smooth paste beforehand. Sauté the spices until they release their aromatic fragrance.
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Combine Ingredients: In a mortar, add a little water to the remnants of the ground spices and mix it into the sautéed spices. Then, introduce the sugar, salt, shrimp paste, and a pinch of Royco seasoning. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
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Simmer Together: Pour the spice mixture into the pan and allow it to come to a gentle boil. As it simmers, wait until the water level reduces slightly, intensifying the flavors of the sambal.
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Add the Fish: Gently place the fried Ikan Tongkol into the simmering sambal. Stir carefully to ensure the fish is coated with the spicy mixture. Allow the dish to simmer for a few more minutes, keeping an eye on the moisture level; it should not dry out too much.
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Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sambal and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or sugar as desired to reach your preferred balance of flavors.
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Serve: Once the sambal has thickened and the fish is infused with its spicy goodness, your Sambal Ikan Tongkol is ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot with steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Sambal Ikan Tongkol recipe is not only straightforward but also a celebration of vibrant flavors that embody the essence of Indonesian cooking. Gather your ingredients and prepare to savor this delicious dish that brings warmth and joy to every dining table. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
