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Tumis Tuna Asam Padeh: A Deliciously Tangy Tuna Stir-Fry
Tumis Tuna Asam Padeh is a vibrant and aromatic Indonesian dish featuring tender chunks of tuna simmered in a tangy and spicy sauce. The interplay of fresh herbs, spices, and the zesty flavor of belimbing wuluh (starfruit) creates a rich, flavorful experience that’s perfect when paired with warm rice. This recipe will guide you through preparing this delightful dish from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 kg Tuna (1 whole tuna, cut into 5 pieces)
- 1 Lime
- Salt and Sugar (to taste)
- Cooking Oil
For the Ground Spices:

- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tablespoon Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
For the Sliced Spices:
- 4 Shallots
- 5 Whole Bird’s Eye Chilies
- 4 Belimbing Wuluh (Starfruit)
- 1 Tomato
For the Aromatic Herbs:
- 1 stalk Lemongrass
- Kaffir Lime Leaves
- Bay Leaves
- Galangal
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by cutting the tuna into chunks and squeezing the juice of one lime over them. Season with salt to taste and set aside to marinate.
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Heat the Oil:
- In a pan, heat a sufficient amount of cooking oil over medium heat.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the sliced shallots and whole bird’s eye chilies to the hot oil. Sauté until fragrant and the shallots become translucent.
- Add the tomato and the ground spices (garlic, turmeric powder, and chili powder) to the pan. Stir well to combine and let it cook for a couple of minutes.
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Add the Liquids and Aromatics:
- Pour in enough water to cover the mixture and add the belimbing wuluh and the aromatic herbs (lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and galangal).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing it to simmer until the flavors meld together.
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Cook the Tuna:
- Once the broth is boiling, add the marinated tuna pieces to the pan. Ensure the tuna is added when the water is at a rolling boil to prevent any fishy odor.
- Cook over high heat for about 10 minutes to ensure the tuna is cooked through.
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Adjust the Seasoning:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the tuna simmer in the sauce until the flavors are well absorbed. Adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, and pepper to taste.
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Serve:
- Once the tuna is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat. Serve the Tumis Tuna Asam Padeh hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Enjoy this vibrant and aromatic dish that beautifully balances tanginess and spiciness, delivering a true taste of Indonesian cuisine. 🌟🍛