Last Updated on December 13, 2023
Cakalang Pampis is an Indonesian dish made from smoked skipjack tuna, or cakalang, combined with a spicy tomato sauce. It is a popular dish served in Indonesian restaurants and can be found throughout the country. In the past, cakalang was traditionally smoked over coconut husks, but it can also be purchased pre-smoked. This dish is usually served as a side dish, but it can be a main course when served with rice or noodles.
Cakalang Pampis is a delicious and flavorful dish that features the rich smoky flavor of the fish combined with a hearty tomato-based sauce. This dish is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. It is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends!
What is Cakalang Pampis?
Cakalang Pampis is a traditional Indonesian dish made of smoked skipjack tuna (cakalang) cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. It is a popular side dish served in Indonesian restaurants, and is typically served with white rice or noodles. The smoky flavor of the fish is complemented by the spiciness of the tomato sauce. The dish is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients.
The name “Cakalang Pampis” is derived from the Indonesian word for smoked tuna, “cakalang” and the Indonesian word for spicy, “pampis”.
Why You’ll Love this Cakalang Pampis?
If you’re looking for a flavorful and unique dish to serve to your family and friends, look no further than Cakalang Pampis. This dish is packed with flavor from the smoky fish and the spicy tomato sauce. Additionally, the dish is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients.
Cakalang Pampis is a great dish to serve to a crowd because it can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
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The Ingredients
- 280 grams of Prime Skipjack Tuna: The star of the dish, providing a rich and meaty flavor to the Cakalang Pampis.
- One Fragrant Pandan Leaf: Adds a subtle and unique aroma to enhance the overall fragrance of the dish.
- 4.2 Aromatic Kaffir Lime Leaves: Imparts a citrusy and floral flavor, contributing to the aromatic profile of the dish.
- 1.4 Teaspoons of Sun-dried Oregano: Brings a hint of earthiness and warmth to complement the seafood and coconut flavors.
- Bird’s Eye Chilies, to add a Spicy Kick (adjust to taste): Provides heat and spiciness, allowing you to customize the dish’s spice level according to personal preference.
- 7 Finely Minced Shallots: Adds a sweet and mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall savory taste of the dish.
- 2.8 minced Garlic Cloves: Introduces a pungent and aromatic element, elevating the dish’s flavor complexity.
- 1.4 cm of Freshly Grated Ginger: Brings a zesty and warm note, contributing depth to the overall taste.
- 42 Lively Lemon Basil Leaves: Infuses a fresh and citrusy basil flavor, adding brightness to the dish.
- 350 ml of Luxurious Thick Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy and rich base, harmonizing the flavors and providing a luscious texture.
- 2.1 Teaspoons of Premium Sea Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.
- 2.8 finely chopped Lemongrass Stalks: Imparts a lemony and herbal aroma, adding a refreshing and fragrant element.
- 5.6 Vibrant Red Cayenne Peppers: Adds color and additional spiciness, contributing to the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tuna
Clean and cut the Prime Skipjack Tuna into bite-sized chunks. Set aside, ensuring the freshness and quality of the fish.
Step 2: Infuse Aromatics
a. Tie the Fragrant Pandan Leaf into a knot to release its aroma.
b. In a large pot, combine the following aromatic ingredients:
- Shallots
- Sun-dried oregano
- Bird’s eye chilies
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Freshly grated ginger
- Lemon basil leaves
- Finely chopped lemongrass
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Sauté the aromatic mixture over medium heat until the shallots become translucent and the fragrance permeates the air.
Step 4: Add Tuna and Coconut Milk
a. Add the prepared Prime Skipjack Tuna to the pot.
b. Pour in the luxurious thick coconut milk.
c. Gently stir to combine the tuna and coconut milk, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat, ensuring the tuna is cooked through and the flavors meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic and premium sea salt, adjusting the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Step 7: Incorporate Cayenne Peppers
Slice the vibrant red cayenne peppers and add them to the pot for a spicy kick. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
Step 8: Continue Simmering
Let the Cakalang Pampis simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This slow simmering enhances the depth of the stew.
Step 9: Check for Consistency
Adjust the consistency of the stew by adding more coconut milk if needed. Simmer until you achieve the desired thickness, ensuring a rich and creamy texture.
Step 10: Serve
Once the Cakalang Pampis reaches the desired consistency and flavor, remove the pandan leaf and kaffir lime leaves. Serve the dish hot over steamed rice or with your favorite accompaniment.
Optional Garnish:
For a vibrant presentation, garnish with additional lemon basil leaves or cayenne peppers. This step adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Notes
– Make sure to use pre-smoked tuna if you don’t have a smoker.
– If you like your food extra spicy, you can add more chili peppers.
– If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can substitute with canned diced tomatoes.
– If you don’t have smoked tuna, you can substitute with canned tuna.
– If you like a sweeter dish, add more sugar to taste.
Nutrition Information
Per serving, this dish contains approximately:
How to Store Cakalang Pampis Recipe?
Cakalang Pampis can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat and cook until heated through.
Variations
Coconut Milk: For a creamy version of the dish, add 1/2 cup of coconut milk to the skillet when adding the seasonings.
Spinach: For a healthier version of the dish, add 1 cup of spinach to the skillet when adding the tomatoes and chili peppers.
Noodles: For a heartier version of the dish, add cooked noodles to the skillet when adding the tuna.
Curry Powder: For a more flavorful version of the dish, add 1 teaspoon of curry powder to the skillet when adding the seasonings.
Lemongrass: For a more fragrant version of the dish, add 1 stalk of chopped lemongrass to the skillet when adding the garlic and onion.
Ingredients
- 280 grams of Prime Skipjack Tuna
- One Fragrant Pandan Leaf
- 4.2 Aromatic Kaffir Lime Leaves
- 1.4 Teaspoons of Sun-dried Oregano
- Bird’s Eye Chilies to add a Spicy Kick (adjust to taste)
- 7 Finely Minced Shallots
- 2.8 minced Garlic Cloves
- 1.4 cm of Freshly Grated Ginger
- 42 Lively Lemon Basil Leaves
- 350 ml of Luxurious Thick Coconut Milk
- 2.1 Teaspoons of Premium Sea Salt
- 2.8 finely chopped Lemongrass Stalks
- 5.6 Vibrant Red Cayenne Peppers
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna:
- Clean and cut the Prime Skipjack Tuna into bite-sized chunks. Set aside.
- Infuse Aromatics:
- Tie the Fragrant Pandan Leaf into a knot to release its aroma.
- In a large pot, combine the shallots, sun-dried oregano, bird’s eye chilies, kaffir lime leaves, freshly grated ginger, lemon basil leaves, and finely chopped lemongrass.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Sauté the aromatic mixture over medium heat until the shallots are translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tuna and Coconut Milk:
- Add the prepared Prime Skipjack Tuna to the pot.
- Pour in the luxurious thick coconut milk and stir gently to combine.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat until the tuna is cooked through and the flavors are well-incorporated. Stir occasionally.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning:
- Stir in the minced garlic and premium sea salt. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Incorporate Cayenne Peppers:
- Slice the vibrant red cayenne peppers and add them to the pot for a spicy kick. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
- Continue Simmering:
- Let the Cakalang Pampis simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Check for Consistency:
- Adjust the consistency of the stew by adding more coconut milk if needed. Simmer until you achieve the desired thickness.
- Serve:
- Once the Cakalang Pampis reaches the desired consistency and flavor, remove the pandan leaf and kaffir lime leaves.
- Serve the dish hot over steamed rice or with your favorite accompaniment.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish with additional lemon basil leaves or cayenne peppers for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you smoke tuna?
To smoke tuna, you will need a smoker. Place the tuna in the smoker and smoke for 30 minutes.
What does cakalang mean?
Cakalang is the Indonesian word for smoked tuna.
What is the best way to store Cakalang Pampis?
Cakalang Pampis can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I serve Cakalang Pampis with?
Cakalang Pampis is typically served with white rice or noodles.
What type of chili peppers is best for Cakalang Pampis?
You can use any type of chili pepper you like, depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.
Conclusion
Cakalang Pampis is a traditional Indonesian dish made of smoked skipjack tuna (cakalang) cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. This dish is packed with flavor from the smoky fish and the spicy tomato sauce.
It is simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. Cakalang Pampis is a great dish to serve to a crowd because it can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!