Zesty Indonesian Skipjack Tuna in Spicy Tamarind Sauce

Ikan Tongkol Asam Pade

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delightful Ikan Tongkol Asam Pade, a dish that beautifully combines tender skipjack tuna with a rich, aromatic spice blend that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the archipelago.

Ingredients

• 8 pieces of skipjack tuna (ikan tongkol)
• 8 shallots (bawang merah)
• 5 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
• 4 candlenuts (kemiri)
• Coriander and pepper to taste
• 1 turmeric leaf (daun kunyit)
• 3 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 2 pieces each of ginger, turmeric, and galangal, plus lemongrass (serai)
• 4 pieces of tamarind (asam kandis)
• 4 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 lime (optional for cleaning the fish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Start by thoroughly cleaning the skipjack tuna pieces. Rinse them under cold water and, if desired, marinate with lime juice to enhance the flavor and remove any fishy smell. Set aside.

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2. Blend the Spice Paste:
   In a blender, combine the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, coriander, and pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. This aromatic mixture forms the heart of your dish.

3. Prepare the Aromatics:
   In a mortar and pestle, gently crush the lemongrass and galangal to release their essential oils. Set aside the turmeric leaf, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves for later.

4. Sauté the Spice Paste:
   Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. The aroma should fill your kitchen, setting the stage for a delicious meal.

5. Combine Ingredients:
   Add the crushed lemongrass and galangal to the pot, along with the turmeric leaf and bay leaves. Pour in enough water to cover the mixture, then bring it to a gentle boil.

6. Cook the Fish:
   Once the base is bubbling, carefully place the cleaned skipjack tuna pieces into the pot. Adjust the heat to medium, ensuring the dish simmers gently. Add the tamarind and salt to taste, stirring well to combine all the flavors.

7. Simmer to Perfection:
   Allow the Ikan Tongkol Asam Pade to cook until the fish is tender and fully cooked through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, adjusting the seasoning as necessary. The dish should be fragrant and full of robust flavors.

8. Serve:
   Once cooked, remove from heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with additional kaffir lime leaves if desired, alongside steamed rice for a truly authentic Indonesian experience.

Nutritional Information

This dish not only tantalizes the palate but is also packed with protein from the skipjack tuna, complemented by the health benefits of the various herbs and spices used. It’s a nourishing and flavorful meal that is sure to impress!

Enjoy your culinary adventure with Ikan Tongkol Asam Pade, a perfect blend of taste and tradition that brings the vibrant essence of Indonesian cuisine to your table!