Tumis Ikan Asin Tongkol (Sautéed Salted Tuna with Chilies and Aromatics)
Tumis Ikan Asin Tongkol, a vibrant Indonesian dish, is known for its spicy kick and savory flavor. Combining salted tuna with a colorful mix of fresh chilies, shallots, and aromatic spices, this dish is a must-try for those who enjoy a punchy, satisfying meal. Served with steaming rice, this sautéed salted tuna is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step preparation for this delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salted Tuna (Ikan Asin Tongkol) | 200 grams (2 ons) |
| Red Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit Merah) | 8 pieces |
| Green Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit Hijau) | 8 pieces |
| Curly Green Chilies (Cabe Keriting Hijau) | 8 pieces |
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 3 cloves |
| Small Tomato (Tomat Kecil) | 1 piece |
| Bay Leaf (Daun Salam) | 1 sheet |
| Ginger (Jahe) | 1 small piece (about 2 cm) |
| Galangal (Laja) | 1 small piece (about 2 cm) |
| Salt (Garam) | To taste |
| Seasoning (Penyedap Rasa) | To taste |
| Water (Air Bersih) | Enough to cook the sauce |
| Cooking Oil (Minyak untuk Menumis) | As needed |
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the Salted Tuna | Start by cleaning the salted tuna. Rinse it briefly in water, then cut it into small pieces or according to your preference. Fry the salted tuna pieces until golden and crispy, then set aside. |
| 2. Slice the Aromatics | Thinly slice the red and green bird’s eye chilies, curly green chilies, shallots, garlic, and the small tomato. Peel and slice the ginger and galangal into thin strips. Clean the bay leaf and set aside. |
| 3. Sauté the Ingredients | Heat enough oil in a pan and add the sliced aromatics along with the bay leaf. Sauté them until fragrant and the shallots become translucent. This will help to release the wonderful flavors of the spices. |
| 4. Combine Tuna and Aromatics | Once the aromatics are nicely sautéed, add the fried salted tuna to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. |
| 5. Add Water and Season | Pour in enough water to help cook the mixture and create a flavorful sauce. Season with salt and seasoning powder to taste. Let the dish simmer until the flavors meld together and the sauce reduces to your desired consistency. |
| 6. Serve and Enjoy | Once everything is cooked through and the sauce is flavorful, remove from heat. Serve the Tumis Ikan Asin Tongkol warm with steamed rice. For an extra kick, adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice preference. |
Serving Suggestions:
Tumis Ikan Asin Tongkol is best enjoyed with a generous serving of steamed white rice. The spicy and savory flavors of the salted tuna make it a perfect side dish for a traditional Indonesian meal. You can also serve it alongside other vegetable or protein dishes to balance the flavors.
Cooking Tips:
- Spice Level: If you like your dishes extra spicy, feel free to add more bird’s eye chilies or even other types of chili peppers according to your taste.
- Salted Tuna: If you find salted tuna too salty, you can soak it in water for a few minutes before frying to reduce the saltiness.
- Optional Additions: You can also add vegetables like green beans or eggplant for added texture and nutrition.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Indonesian dish and experience the perfect harmony of salty, spicy, and aromatic flavors! Happy cooking!
