Spicy Yellow Pickled Tuna with Fresh Vegetables

Ikan Tongkol Acar Kuning Kuah Pedas (Spicy Yellow Pickled Tuna)

Ingredients:

• 7 pieces of smoked tuna (ikan tongkol)
• 1 cucumber
• 1 carrot
• 5 red curly chilies (cabe merah keriting)
• 7 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 1 green chili (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 4 shallots
• 1 medium-sized turmeric root
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 kaffir lime leaf
• 1 tablespoon Kara coconut milk
• 400 ml water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 packets of chicken-flavored Royco seasoning
• Sufficient amount of oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tuna: Begin by frying the smoked tuna pieces lightly until they are golden brown. Once fried, drain them and set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the cucumber and carrot into thin matchstick shapes, ensuring they are of uniform size for even cooking.

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3. Blend the Spices: In a blender, combine the shallots, garlic, turmeric, red curly chilies, and bird’s eye chilies. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

4. Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the bay leaf and kaffir lime leaf, stirring until well combined.

5. Simmer the Broth: Pour in the 400 ml of water into the pan with the sautéed spices. Allow the mixture to come to a boil. Once boiling, add the granulated sugar and the Royco seasoning packets. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

6. Cook the Vegetables and Tuna: Add the sliced carrots and cucumbers into the boiling broth. Follow with the lightly fried tuna pieces and the sliced green chili. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.

7. Finish with Coconut Milk: Once the broth has reduced and the vegetables are cooked, add 1 tablespoon of Kara coconut milk. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture back to a gentle boil.

8. Serve: When the dish has reached your desired consistency and the coconut milk is well incorporated, remove from heat. Serve the spicy yellow pickled tuna hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

This Ikan Tongkol Acar Kuning Kuah Pedas is a delightful combination of smoky tuna, crisp vegetables, and aromatic spices, all enveloped in a rich and spicy broth. Perfect for a comforting meal that brings a taste of Indonesia to your table!