Sarden Tongkol: A Deliciously Spicy Tuna Dish

This vibrant Sarden Tongkol recipe features tender tuna fish simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. With a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and spices, this dish brings a taste of home cooking that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

To create this savory Sarden Tongkol, you’ll need the following ingredients:

10 small green chilies (cabe rawit)
3 small tomatoes
3 shallots (bawang merah)
3 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 tablespoon salt
4 tablespoons Del Monte tomato sauce
2 small onions (bawang bombay)
2 medium-sized tuna fish (ikan tongkol)
5 tablespoons cooking oil

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna

Begin by cleaning the tuna fish. Remove the head, bones, and tail, then cut the fish into four pieces. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply during cooking while ensuring the fish remains tender.

Step 2: Fry the Tuna

In a frying pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Carefully add the tuna pieces to the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and fully cooked. This step not only enhances the flavor but also gives the fish a delightful texture.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

While the fish is frying, prepare the aromatic vegetables. Slice the green chilies, shallots, garlic, small onions, and tomatoes according to your preference. Once the tuna is done, use the same pan to sauté the sliced aromatics until they become fragrant and soft.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Add about one glass of medium-sized water to the sautéed ingredients, followed by the Del Monte tomato sauce, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Tuna

Once the sauce is boiling, gently place the fried tuna pieces into the pan. Let everything simmer together until the sauce thickens and the water reduces slightly, ensuring the tuna absorbs all those wonderful flavors.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

After the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, your Sarden Tongkol is ready to be served. Enjoy this delicious dish with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Sarden Tongkol is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings comfort to the table. The combination of spicy chilies, sweet tomatoes, and savory fish makes this dish a standout. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more. Enjoy your cooking and the delightful meal that follows!