Title: Spicy Tuna (Pampis Tongkol)
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuna (Tongkol) | 3 slices |
| For the spice paste (Bumbu Ulek Kasar): | |
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 3 cloves |
| Red Chili (Cabe Merah) | 2 whole |
| Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit) | 10 small chilies |
| Ginger (Jahe) | 1 cm piece |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk) | A few leaves |
| Lemongrass (Sereh) | 1 stalk |
| Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt (Garam) | To taste |
| Sugar (Gula) | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
Instructions:
-
Steam the tuna: Start by steaming the tuna slices until they are cooked through and tender. Once steamed, shred the tuna into bite-sized pieces, setting them aside for later.
-
Prepare the spice paste: Blend the shallots, garlic, red chili, bird’s eye chilies, and ginger into a rough paste. If you prefer, you can use a mortar and pestle for a more rustic texture.
-
Sauté the spices: Heat some oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste along with the kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass until fragrant. The spices should start to release their aromatic oils, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma.
-
Add the shredded tuna: Once the spices are aromatic, add the shredded tuna to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the tuna to absorb the spices for about 2-3 minutes.
-
Season the dish: Pour in a bit of water to create a sauce base, followed by sweet soy sauce, salt, and sugar to balance the flavors. Let the dish simmer for a few more minutes until the flavors meld together, and the liquid slightly reduces.
-
Taste and adjust: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, sugar, or soy sauce if needed. Ensure the balance between spicy, salty, and slightly sweet is to your liking.
-
Serve: Once everything is well-cooked and flavorful, serve the Pampis Tongkol hot. Enjoy it with steamed rice or as a side dish with other traditional Indonesian meals.
This Pampis Tongkol recipe brings together a harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. A traditional Indonesian dish, it is quick and easy to prepare while being full of aromatic ingredients that will elevate your meal. Enjoy it as a comforting main dish or a flavorful side!
