Spicy Skipjack Tuna (Ikan Cakalang Pedas)

Discover the delightful flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this Spicy Skipjack Tuna recipe, featuring aromatic herbs and a tantalizing spice blend that brings the dish to life. Perfect for a hearty meal, this recipe showcases the vibrant tastes that make Indonesian food so beloved.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 large skipjack tuna (ikan cakalang)
• Fresh basil leaves (kemangi) for garnish

Ground Ingredients

• 10 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 3 red chilies (cabe merah)
• 2 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
• 3 shallots (bawang merah)
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Flavor enhancer (penyedap), to taste
• Soy sauce (kepacap), to taste

Crushed Ingredients

• Lemongrass (serai)
• Galangal (lengkuas)
• Turmeric (kunyit)
• Ginger (jahe)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Tuna:
   Begin by cleaning the skipjack tuna thoroughly under running water. Once clean, cut it into pieces according to your preference. To eliminate any fishy odor, rub the pieces with lime juice and set aside. Next, heat oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden brown. This initial frying adds depth and texture to the dish.

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2. Prepare the Spice Blend:
   While the fish is frying, prepare the spice mixture. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, garlic, and shallots until you achieve a smooth paste. In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the ground spices. After a few moments, add the crushed lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and ginger to the pan. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and aromatic, creating a flavorful base for the dish.

3. Combine and Cook:
   Once the spices are aromatic, add water to the pan according to your desired sauce consistency. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Once boiling, gently add the fried fish pieces into the pan. Let the fish simmer in the spiced broth, allowing the flavors to penetrate and infuse into the tuna.

4. Final Touches:
   Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and the fish is well-coated with the spices. Adjust seasoning with salt, sugar, flavor enhancer, and soy sauce according to your taste.

5. Serve:
   Once the fish is cooked and the flavors are well combined, it’s time to serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added layer of freshness and flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful centerpiece.

Enjoy Your Meal!

With its rich spices and delightful aroma, this Spicy Skipjack Tuna dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the heart of Indonesian cooking right to your table. Enjoy every bite!