Asam Jawa Seafood Pasta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, and mussels)
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red chili, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking seafood and sauce

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a small bowl, mix tamarind paste and brown sugar with 1/2 cup of warm water. Set aside.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

4. Add minced garlic and sliced chili to the skillet and cook for another minute.

5. Add mixed seafood to the skillet and cook until shrimp turns pink and mussels open up.

6. Pour tamarind mixture into the skillet and stir well.

7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce.

9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and scallions.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Protein: 23g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tamarind paste can be substituted with lime juice or vinegar.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with palm sugar or honey.
- Mixed seafood can be substituted with any seafood of your choice.

Variations:
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the skillet for a more colorful dish.
- Use linguine or fettuccine instead of spaghetti.
- Add chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce to the skillet for a more tomato-based sauce.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the seafood until it's fully cooked to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
- Adjust the amount of chili according to your spice preference.
- Reserve some pasta water to add to the sauce if it's too thick.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large pasta bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro and scallions.

Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro and scallions

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too sour, add more brown sugar or honey to balance it out.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the seafood until it's fully cooked to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
- Asam Jawa is a souring agent commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
- Sour, sweet, and savory

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish.

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Region: Indonesian

Taste: Tangy, Savory, Spicy, Sour, Umami