Spicy Tuna in Fragrant Indonesian Sauce (Sambalado Cue Tongkol)

Sambalado Cue Tongkol: A Spicy Tuna Delight

Sambalado Cue Tongkol is a vibrant Indonesian dish that showcases the rich flavors of seasoned tuna cooked in a fragrant spice blend. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate bold flavors and enjoy cooking with fresh ingredients. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium basket of Tuna (Ikan Tongkol)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (smashed)
• 2 bay leaves
• Sugar (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 red bird’s eye chilies
• 7 curly red chilies
• 5 green bird’s eye chilies
• 2 large red chilies (seeds removed)
• 6 shallots
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 fried candlenuts (kemiri)
• 1 piece of ginger (about 1 inch)
• 1 piece of turmeric (about 1 inch)
• 1 piece of kencur (lesser galangal, about 1 inch)
• 1 cm of galangal

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Tuna:
   Begin by cleaning the tuna. Remove the head and carefully clean out the bones to ensure a smooth texture for your dish.

2. Fry the Tuna:
   In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cleaned tuna and fry until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Once cooked, set the fish aside.

3. Make the Spice Paste:
   Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind together all the chilies and other spices until you achieve a fine paste. This mixture will infuse your dish with authentic Indonesian flavor.

4. Sauté the Spices:
   In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary and heat it up. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until fragrant. This step is crucial for unlocking the rich aromas of the spices.

5. Add Aromatics:
   Incorporate the smashed lemongrass and bay leaves into the skillet. These ingredients will add layers of flavor to your dish.

6. Create the Broth:
   Pour in approximately 200 ml of water into the skillet. Season the mixture with sugar and salt to taste. It’s important to adjust these flavors to your liking, ensuring a balanced taste.

7. Combine with Tuna:
   Gently place the fried tuna into the skillet, allowing it to soak up the delicious spice mixture. Drizzle the juice of the lime over the top to add a fresh tang.

8. Final Touches:
   Taste your dish to ensure the flavors are just right. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt or sugar. Once satisfied, remove the skillet from the heat.

9. Serve:
   Plate your Sambalado Cue Tongkol and enjoy it warm, preferably with steamed rice and a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Sambalado Cue Tongkol is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of Indonesia into your kitchen. With its perfect blend of spices and the savory taste of tuna, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your culinary adventure!