Spicy Tuna Stir-Fry with Tomato and Chilies

Tumis Tongkol Cabe Tomat: A Delicious Indonesian Stir-Fry

Tumis Tongkol Cabe Tomat is a vibrant Indonesian dish that beautifully showcases tender tuna combined with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this dish is simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 10 pieces of tuna steak (tongkol)
• 6 shallots (bawang merah), finely sliced
• 1 clove of garlic (bawang putih), minced
• 1 ripe tomato, chopped
• 1 curly red chili (cabe merah keriting), sliced
• 3 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), sliced
• A small piece of shrimp paste (terasi), about 1/4 sachet (ABC brand works well)
• Sugar, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed for cooking

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tuna: Begin by frying the tuna steaks in a pan until they are half-cooked. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside. This step ensures the fish retains its moisture while absorbing the wonderful flavors of the stir-fry.

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2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the finely sliced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant and lightly golden, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma.

3. Add Vegetables: Next, introduce the chopped tomato, curly red chili, and bird’s eye chilies to the pan. Stir-fry until the vegetables soften, creating a colorful base for your dish.

4. Season the Mixture: Add a splash of water to the pan, followed by sugar, salt, and the shrimp paste. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the shrimp paste dissolves and integrates into the sauce.

5. Combine with Tuna: Gently return the half-cooked tuna steaks to the pan. Toss everything together, allowing the tuna to absorb the savory mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning, aiming for a balanced sweet and sour flavor.

6. Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, your Tumis Tongkol Cabe Tomat is ready to serve. Present it hot, alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more bird’s eye chilies. Conversely, reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the dish’s overall taste and presentation.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different levels of sweetness or acidity by adjusting the sugar and seasoning to your preference.

Nutritional Information

This dish is not only delicious but also offers a healthy balance of protein from the tuna and essential vitamins from the vegetables. Enjoy your Tumis Tongkol Cabe Tomat as part of a nutritious diet!

Final Thoughts

Tumis Tongkol Cabe Tomat is a dish that exemplifies the beauty of Indonesian cuisine, marrying simplicity with bold flavors. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a festive spread, this stir-fry is sure to impress. Dive into this culinary journey and savor every bite!