Cakalang Pampis Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 8, 2023 | Last Updated on October 8, 2023

Cakalang Pampis is a delightful culinary gem hailing from the vibrant region of Manado in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. This traditional dish, rich in flavors and aromatic spices, features skipjack tuna (known as ‘cakalang’ in the local dialect) as its star ingredient. The unique blend of fiery chilies, fragrant lemongrass, tangy kaffir lime leaves, and sweet coconut milk creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.

This recipe will take you through every step needed to make your own Cakalang Pampis. We’ll be using fresh fish, spices, herbs, and vegetables to craft a meal that’s sure to be remembered. So let’s get started!

What is cakalang pampis?

Cakalang Pampis, a traditional Indonesian dish from the Manado region of North Sulawesi, is a flavorful culinary delight that showcases the country’s rich and diverse food culture. At its core, Cakalang Pampis is made with Skipjack Tuna, known as ‘Cakalang’ in Bahasa Indonesia, which is broiled and then shredded. The shredded fish is then stir-fried in a spicy chili seasoning, creating a dish bursting with flavor and texture.

The name ‘Pampis’ refers to the method of shredding the fish, while ‘Cakalang’ is the local name for Skipjack Tuna. This dish is a staple in many Indonesian households, particularly in Manado, where it’s often served with warm, cooked rice or as a filling for ‘Panada’, a type of Indonesian empanada.

Why You’ll Love this cakalang pampis?

Cakalang Pampis is a dish that engages all your senses. The vibrant colors from the chilies and spices, the tantalizing aroma from the blend of ingredients, and most importantly, the explosion of flavors make it a must-try for any food lover.

The dish strikes the perfect balance between the heat from the chilies, the umami from the skipjack tuna, and the subtle sweetness from the coconut milk and shallots. The shredded texture of the fish also adds an interesting element to the dish, making each bite full of flavor.

Furthermore, Cakalang Pampis isn’t just about taste; it’s a culinary journey that takes you straight to the heart of Manado’s food culture. It’s a testament to Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage, where simple, fresh ingredients are transformed into a dish that’s both comforting and exotic.

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Ingredients 

1. Pandan Leaves: Pandan leaves lend a unique, sweet aroma to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. They are commonly used in Indonesian cuisine for their fragrance.
2. Shallots: Shallots contribute a subtle sweetness and a hint of sharpness. They are a fundamental ingredient in many Indonesian dishes, including Cakalang Pampis, as they help balance out the flavors.
3. Dried oregano: While not a traditional Indonesian ingredient, dried oregano adds an earthy, slightly sweet, and bitter taste to the dish, complementing the other flavors.
4. Kaffir lime leaves: These leaves provide a strong, citrusy fragrance that is essential in many Southeast Asian dishes. In Cakalang Pampis, they add a tangy and aromatic note.
5. Bird’s Eye Chillies: Known for their intense heat, Bird’s Eye Chillies add spice to the dish. The level of heat can be adjusted according to personal preference.
6. Ginger: Ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients. It also contributes to the dish’s overall aroma.
7. Skipjack: Skipjack, or Cakalang in Indonesian, is the main protein in this dish. Its firm texture and strong flavor stand up well to the bold flavors of the sauce.
8. Lemon basil leaves: Lemon basil leaves give a citrus note to the dish, adding brightness and helping to cut through the rich coconut milk.
9. Lemongrass stalks: Lemongrass adds a fresh, lemony flavor and aroma, which enhances the overall sensory experience of the dish.
10. Thick coconut milk: Coconut milk gives the dish its creamy consistency and sweet, rich flavor. It’s a common base for many Indonesian dishes.
11. Garlic cloves: Garlic adds a robust, pungent flavor that forms the backbone of the dish’s flavor profile.
12. Salt: Salt is essential in any dish as it enhances all other flavors. In Cakalang Pampis, it helps balance the sweetness of the coconut milk and the heat from the chilies.
13. Long red cayenne peppers: These peppers add a milder heat than Bird’s Eye Chillies, contributing to the dish’s overall spiciness without overpowering the other flavors. They also add a pop of color to the dish.

Directions 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Mince the shallots, garlic, and ginger. Finely chop the pandan leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and lemon basil leaves. Seed and mince the long red cayenne peppers. Cut the skipjack into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the minced shallots, garlic, ginger, and long red cayenne peppers to the pan. Cook until fragrant, which should take about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Fragrant Leaves and Spices

Introduce the pandan leaves, kaffir lime leaves, lemon basil leaves, oregano, and Bird’s Eye chilies to the pan. Stir the ingredients together and continue cooking for an additional minute.

Step 4: Combine with Coconut Milk

Pour in the thick coconut milk and stir thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Season

Allow the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes until it slightly thickens. Add the skipjack cubes to the pan and season with salt. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the fish is thoroughly cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the dish warm over steamed white rice. Garnish with fresh lemon basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.

Notes 

• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best results.
• Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by adding more or fewer Bird’s Eye Chillies.
• If you can’t find Skipjack Tuna, any other firm fish such as mackerel or salmon will work as a substitute.
• This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking- For a healthier option, skip the oil and instead cook the aromatics in water or vegetable stock.
• If you like your food extra spicy, feel free to add more long red cayenne peppers. The milder heat will complement the intense flavor of Bird’s Eye chilies.
• To give your dish a smoky flavor, try adding smoked pap.

Storage Tips 

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the freshness and flavor of Cakalang Pampis. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3-4 days when stored properly. 

For longer storage, you can freeze Cakalang Pampis. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition Information 

Serving Suggestions 

• Cakalang Pampis is an ideal accompaniment to steamed white rice, but it can also be served with other grains such as quinoa or millet.
• For a lighter meal, serve the dish with a side of fresh greens such as spinach or kale.
• Pair the dish with a crisp fruit salad for a refreshing contrast- For a unique flavor combination, try serving Cakalang Pampis with roasted pineapple or mango.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dollop of sambal to the dish for an extra spicy kick!
• Serve with a side of krupuk (Indonesian shrimp chips) to complete the meal.

What other substitute can I use in cakalang pampis? 

• Tuna steak can be used in place of skipjack for a heartier dish.
• For a vegetarian version, try replacing the tuna with firm tofu and adding additional vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower.
• Shrimp is also a delicious alternative to tuna- opt for fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp.
• For a vegan option, experiment with various types of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, or maitake.
• If you can’t find pandan leaves in your area, try using bay leaves instead. They have a similar aroma and add depth of flavor to the dish.
• Kaffir lime leaves can be substituted with regular limes or lemon if necessary.
• If you don’t have access to fresh chilies, you can use chili powder instead. Add according to your preference for the desired heat level.
• For a more unique flavor, try adding tamarindo to the dish. This sweet, tangy sauce adds a unique note of flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• To give your dish an Asian flair, try adding some fish sauce or soy sauce for added umami flavor.
• For a more exotic twist, add tamarind paste and palm sugar to create a sweeter version of Cakalang Pampis.
• For a protein boost, add cooked legumes such as lentils or black beans to the dish.
• If you like your food extra creamy and rich, try adding coconut cream instead of regular coconut milk. This will give your cakalang pampis an added richness that will take it to the next level- To give your dish a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
• For a healthier option, skip the oil and instead cook the aromatics in water or vegetable stock. This will reduce the fat content of the dish without sacrificing any flavor.
• To add more texture, consider adding roasted nuts such as cashews or peanuts.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cakalang Pampis is a flavorful, traditional Indonesian dish. It’s loaded with aromatic spices and herbs, as well as skipjack tuna or other firm fish. It can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences by adding or substituting various ingredients such as pandan leaves, kaffir lime leaves, long red cayenne peppers, Bird’s Eye chilies, and other fragrant herbs.

Altogether, it’s a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit a variety of tastes. With the help of this recipe, you’ll be able to create your delicious version of this traditional Indonesian favorite!

Please share your creations with us and let us know what interesting twists you’ve come up with!

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