Sambal Bajak Tongkol: A Spicy Tuna Delight
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized tuna fish (tongkol)
- 1 ounce bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
- 3 large red chilies (cabe merah besar)
- 10 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 15 shallots (bawang merah)
- Sugar, salt, and Royco seasoning to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions
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Prepare the Tuna: Start by cleaning the tuna thoroughly, then fry it in hot oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside to cool.
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Wash the Vegetables: Rinse the bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, garlic, and shallots under running water to ensure they are clean and ready for cooking.
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Make the Sambal: In the same hot oil, sauté the bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, garlic, and shallots until fragrant. Once they are softened, blend or pound the mixture until you achieve a smooth paste.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the fried tuna to the sambal mixture in the pan. Stir well to coat the tuna with the rich, spicy sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Season to Taste: Add sugar, salt, and Royco seasoning according to your preference. Adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors, creating a delightful harmony of taste.
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Serve: Enjoy your Sambal Bajak Tongkol hot, served alongside warm steamed rice and crispy crackers (krupuk) for a perfect meal that tantalizes the taste buds.
Enjoyment Tips
This dish shines with its bold flavors and is perfect for gatherings or a family meal. The combination of spicy sambal and tender tuna is a true delight that complements a variety of sides, making it a favorite in Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy your culinary creation!