Gulai Ikan Tuna with Long Beans: A Savory Delight

Gulai Ikan Tuna Kacang Panjang is a delightful Indonesian dish that brings together the rich flavors of tuna fish, long beans, and aromatic spices in a creamy coconut milk sauce. This dish is not only flavorful but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. In this recipe, we will guide you through the preparation of this exquisite dish, ensuring that each step is clear and easy to follow.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tuna

Begin by cleaning the tuna pieces thoroughly. Once cleaned, season them with salt and a squeeze of lime juice. Allow the fish to marinate for about 15 minutes to enhance its flavor.

2. Prepare the Aromatics

While the fish is marinating, peel and finely slice the shallots and garlic. This will help release their essential oils and flavors during cooking.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In a frying pan, heat approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced shallots and fry them until they are halfway cooked. Next, add the sliced garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter.

4. Add the Spices

Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the ground chili, salam leaves, turmeric leaf, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and the previously prepared ground spices (coriander, galangal, and candlenut) into the pan. Stir everything together to allow the spices to infuse into the oil, releasing their wonderful aromas.

5. Incorporate the Tuna and Coconut Milk

Pour in approximately 1 1/2 glasses of water into the pan, and gently add the marinated tuna pieces. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the coconut milk and the small piece of tamarind, which will provide a tangy note to the dish. Adjust the amount of tamarind based on your taste preference, as too much can overpower the flavors.

6. Simmer the Dish

Reduce the heat to low, and stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients. Add the long beans (kacang panjang) and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the dish to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from thickening excessively.

7. Final Seasoning

Check the long beans for tenderness; they should be cooked yet retain a slight crunch. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and, if desired, chicken stock powder. Once everything is to your liking, turn off the heat.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Your Gulai Ikan Tuna Kacang Panjang is now ready to be served! This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, allowing the rich and creamy sauce to envelop each bite. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the delightful combination of tuna and long beans.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This recipe for Gulai Ikan Tuna Kacang Panjang encapsulates the essence of Indonesian cooking, celebrating the use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It’s an ideal dish for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. Enjoy this culinary journey and share it with your loved ones!