Garang Asem Ikan Tongkol Recipe: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Stew
Garang Asem Ikan Tongkol, a traditional Indonesian dish, brings together the bold and tangy flavors of fresh fish and aromatic herbs. This dish, perfect for any occasion, is rich in spices, making it a great balance of heat, sourness, and savory goodness. The Ikan Tongkol (skipjack tuna) is cooked in a zesty broth flavored with fresh herbs, spices, and a touch of tamarind. Let’s walk through this flavorful recipe that’ll brighten up any dinner table!
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | 500g Ikan Tongkol (skipjack tuna) or other fish varieties |
| 1 bunch of Kemangi (lemongrass basil) | |
| 1 bunch of Daun So (Indonesian pepper leaves) | |
| 1 green tomato, cut into wedges | |
| 6 small red chilies (Cabe Rawit) | |
| Spices (Bumbu Halus) | 5 cloves garlic (Bawang Putih) |
| 3 shallots (Bawang Merah) | |
| 1 candlenut (Kemiri) | |
| 2 cm turmeric root (Kunyit) | |
| Salt (Garam) | |
| A bit of shrimp paste (Terasi) – optional, depending on taste | |
| Additional Spices (Bumbu Pelengkap) | 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (Bawang Bombay) |
| 1 stalk lemongrass (Serai), bruised | |
| 2 cm galangal (Laos), bruised | |
| 2 cm ginger (Jahe), bruised | |
| 2 lime leaves (Daun Jeruk) | |
| 5 tamarind pods (Asam Jawa), adjust to taste | |
| 3 daun salam (Indonesian bay leaves) | |
| 1 teaspoon palm sugar (Gula Jawa) |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Fish
- Clean the Fish: Rinse the ikan tongkol thoroughly under cold water, ensuring it is well-cleaned. Set the fish aside.
- Cut the Green Tomato: Cut the green tomato into wedges and set them aside for later.
Step 2: Making the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus)
- Blend the Spice Paste: In a blender or mortar and pestle, blend the garlic, shallots, candlenut, turmeric, salt, and if you like, a bit of shrimp paste (terasi). The mixture should form a smooth paste.
Step 3: Cooking the Broth
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the finely sliced onion until fragrant. Add the bruised lemongrass, galangal, ginger, and lime leaves. Stir-fry these until they release their aromatic fragrance.
- Add the Spice Paste: Stir in the ground spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant, mixing everything together well.
- Add Water: Pour in about 1.5 liters of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmering the Fish
- Add the Fish: Once the broth is boiling, gently place the ikan tongkol into the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Once the fish is cooked, toss in the green tomato, kemangi (lemongrass basil), and daun so (Indonesian pepper leaves). Stir well to incorporate.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
- Adjust the Taste: Add the tamarind pods, bay leaves, and palm sugar. Stir and taste the broth to check if it needs more salt or sugar.
- Finishing Touches: Allow everything to simmer for another 5-10 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
- Serve: Once the dish is ready, remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice or on its own as a flavorful, tangy soup.
Serving Suggestions
Garang Asem Ikan Tongkol is best enjoyed with a side of warm steamed rice or traditional Indonesian rice cakes (ketupat). The fragrant herbs, tangy tamarind, and spicy chili make this dish a perfect companion to a simple meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Cooking Tips
- Fish Alternatives: If you can’t find ikan tongkol, you can substitute with other firm white fish like tilapia, mackerel, or even snapper.
- Adjusting Heat: If you like your dish spicier, increase the number of red chilies. Conversely, reduce the amount of chilies for a milder version.
- Tamarind Taste: The tamarind adds a tangy depth to the dish, but feel free to adjust the quantity based on your preference for sourness.
Enjoy this flavorful, aromatic, and wholesome dish, Garang Asem Ikan Tongkol, which brings the vibrant flavors of Indonesia straight to your dining table!
