Tongkol Suwir Rica: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Tongkol Suwir Rica, a traditional Indonesian dish that beautifully combines tender shredded tuna with aromatic spices. This recipe is not only straightforward but also perfect for a satisfying meal served alongside steaming hot rice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium tuna (ikan tongkol), cleaned and prepared
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), or to taste
- 2 large red chilies (cabe besar)
- 4 shallots (bawang merah)
- 3 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 2 teaspoons salt (garam)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (gula)
- 1 bay leaf (daun salam)
- 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
- 1 stalk lemongrass (serai)
- Petai (stink beans), optional
- 1 small piece of ginger (jahe)
- 1 small piece of galangal (lengkuas)
- 1 packet Royco chicken seasoning (Royco ayam)
- Cooking oil (minyak goreng)
- 1 tomato, chopped
Preparation Steps
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Prepare the Tuna: Start by shredding the cleaned tuna into bite-sized pieces. Next, heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan and fry the tuna pieces until they are half cooked. This method enhances the flavor and texture of the fish.
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Blend the Spices: While the tuna is frying, it’s time to prepare the spice blend. In a blender or mortar, combine the bird’s eye chilies, large red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, and galangal. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine.
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Sauté the Spices: Once the tuna is fried, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same oil, sauté the spice paste over medium heat until it becomes fragrant and aromatic. This step is crucial for releasing the natural oils and flavors of the spices.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the half-cooked tuna back into the pan with the sautéed spices. Stir well to ensure that each piece of tuna is evenly coated with the aromatic mixture.
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Season and Cook: Add the salt, sugar, bay leaf, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass to the pan. Continue to stir-fry the mixture until the liquid has reduced, and the tuna absorbs the delicious flavors of the spices.
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Final Touches: If you enjoy petai, now is the time to add it along with the chopped tomato. Cook for an additional few minutes until everything is well combined and the dish is almost dry.
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Serve: Once the dish is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat. Serve your Tongkol Suwir Rica hot, paired with freshly steamed rice for a truly delightful meal.
Enjoy the Experience
With its rich and spicy flavor profile, Tongkol Suwir Rica is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Indonesian culinary tradition. Whether you’re cooking for family or sharing with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy every bite!