Stir-Fried Papaya Flowers with Cakalang Fufu (Tumis Bunga Pepaya Cakalang Fufu)
This delightful Indonesian dish combines the unique bitterness of papaya flowers with the smoky, savory flavor of cakalang fufu (smoked tuna). A perfect blend of fresh ingredients and bold spices makes this stir-fry an exciting addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Papaya flowers | 4 packs (approximately 250 grams) |
| Cakalang fufu (smoked tuna) | 100 grams |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Shallots (finely chopped) | 5 shallots |
| Large green chilies (sliced) | 3 chilies |
| Bird’s eye chilies (sliced) | 4 chilies |
| Petai (stinky beans), peeled and thinly sliced | 1 bunch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Brown sugar | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For sautéing |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Papaya Flowers:
Separate the papaya flowers from the stalks, wash thoroughly, and briefly blanch them in boiling water with a pinch of salt. Once blanched, drain and set them aside. -
-
Prepare the Cakalang Fufu:
Cut the cakalang fufu into small pieces or shred them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. -
Prepare the Aromatics and Spices:
While the papaya flowers are blanching, thinly slice the garlic, shallots, green chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and petai. Set aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan. Add the garlic and shallots, and sauté until fragrant and golden brown. Add the sliced chilies and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes. -
Add the Cakalang Fufu:
Stir in the shredded cakalang fufu. Season with salt and a touch of brown sugar to balance the flavors. Pour in a small amount of hot water to help create a sauce. Adjust the seasoning as necessary. -
Incorporate the Papaya Flowers:
Add the blanched papaya flowers to the pan, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Finish with Petai:
Finally, add the thinly sliced petai and give everything a good mix. Once the petai is well distributed, remove from heat. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Your Tumis Bunga Pepaya Cakalang Fufu is ready to be served! Enjoy this dish with steamed rice or as a flavorful side dish to complement other Indonesian meals.
Notes:
- Cakalang Fufu: If you can’t find cakalang fufu, you can substitute it with any smoked or salted fish, though the distinct flavor of cakalang fufu adds authenticity to this dish.
- Papaya Flowers: Papaya flowers have a slightly bitter taste, which is balanced perfectly with the spices and sweetness of the brown sugar. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the blanching time slightly.
This dish is a true celebration of traditional Indonesian flavors, blending smoky fish, aromatic herbs, and the rich bitterness of papaya flowers into a harmonious stir-fry. Perfect for anyone who loves bold and unique flavors!
