Gulai Asam Pedas Ikan Tuna dengan Terong Ungu dan Mangga Muda
A vibrant Indonesian fish curry featuring tender tuna chunks simmered in a complex broth of tamarind, chilies, and aromatic spices. The addition of slightly bitter eggplant and tart young mango creates a uniquely balanced bitter-sweet-sour-umami profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

Prep Time
120 min
Difficulty
Hard
Servings
4
Calories
450 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the spice paste: pound or blend shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird's eye chilies (if using), candlenuts, galangal, turmeric, and ginger into a fine paste.
~15 min - 2
Prepare the young mango by peeling and julienning it. Cut the purple eggplant into bite-sized chunks and soak them in salted water to prevent browning.
~10 min - 3
Cut the tuna loin into generous 2-inch cubes. Season lightly with salt.
~5 min - 4
Bruise the lemongrass stalks. Tear the turmeric leaf if using.
~2 min - 5
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil separates, about 8-10 minutes.
~10 min - 6
Add the bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric leaf (if using), and assam keping to the pot. Stir for 1 minute until aromatic.
~1 min - 7
Pour in the thin coconut milk. Bring to a simmer, then add the drained eggplant. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the eggplant is tender but not mushy.
~15 min - 8
Add the thick coconut milk and tamarind paste. Stir gently to combine and prevent the coconut milk from splitting. Bring to a gentle simmer.
~5 min - 9
Carefully add the tuna cubes to the simmering curry. Do not stir vigorously, as this can break up the fish. Poach gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the tuna is cooked through.
~7 min - 10
Add the julienned young mango. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still retaining its tartness.
~3 min - 11
Season with salt and sugar to taste. Adjust the sourness with more tamarind paste if needed.
~2 min - 12
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or red chili slices if desired.
Tips
- For best results, use fresh turmeric root and galangal for a more pungent flavor. If unavailable, powdered versions can be substituted but adjust quantity to taste.
- This dish is best served immediately after cooking to enjoy the fresh flavors. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the texture of the fish may change.
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