Fishes such as tuna and saba have long been part of the Malaysian diet. These nutritious fishes are prepared in various ways by different ethnic groups, always with the reminder to eat more fish because it is known for its health benefits.
Saba and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are necessary for human health but our body is unable to produce Omega-3. Thus, it is necessary to consume foods that contain this essential nutrient for maintenance of optimal health.
The benefits of including omega-3 fatty acids in the diet include: brain growth and development in children, reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis, improved eye health, fight anxiety and depression, and heart-protective benefits such as helping to lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, slow the development of plaque in arteries, among many others.
Ayam Brand’s canned products Ayam Brand Tuna and Ayam Brand Saba contain no preservatives, are rich in omega-3 and ready to eat, providing a convenient and easy way to boost a healthy diet.
Ayam Brand has curated a list of easy recipes from different local cuisines you can make using Ayam Brand Tuna Chunks in Olive Oil Light, Ayam Brand Saba Chilli, Ayam Brand Tuna Light Flakes in Water and Ayam Brand Chilli Tuna as used in Malay, Chinese, Indian and traditional cuisine.
1. Nasi Lemak Sambal Tuna
Prep time: 15 minutes, cook time: 25 minutes, serves: 4 pax
Nasi Lemak is the Malaysian national dish. Every family has a version of it. Make it healthier using Ayam Brand Tuna for an omega-3 packed sambal.
Here’s how to prepare the sambal paste:
Grind onion, garlic, chili paste, ginger and water.
Open two cans of Ayam Brand Tuna Chunks in Olive Oil Light, pour the olive oil into a heated fry pan. Top up with some cooking oil if required.
Saute the sambal paste in this fragrant oil for five minutes. Add sugar and salt to taste, and the lemongrass.
Then add the reserved tuna chunks, allow to cook down until it achieves the desired consistency.
For even more convenience, cook the nasi lemak rice by using Ayam Brand Coconut Milk.
Serve the sambal tuna with the nasi lemak. Add sliced cucumber, hardboiled egg, fried anchovies and fried peanuts for the full nasi lemak experience.
2. Saba Peratal
Prep time: 10 minutes, cook time: 20 minutes, serves: 4 pax
Peratal or dry Indian curry has a thick, concentrated gravy as no liquid is added during the cooking process. It is a favorite in most Indian households, and at banana leaf restaurants too.
Heat oil in a pan, saute onion and garlic until fragrant. Add Ayam Brand Chopped Tomatoes, salt, curry leaves, cumin powder and coriander powder.
Simmer until the tomatoes soften, forming a sauce. Add Ayam Brand Saba Chilli and stir on medium heat until well-coated.
Saba peratal tastes even better with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, garnished with coriander. Serve hot with rice or rotis such as chapati.
3. Tuna Wonton Soup
Prep time: 15 minutes, cook time: 25 minutes, serves: 4 pax
Wonton soup is comfort food for everyday. Add the nutritional benefits of omega-3 to your next wonton soup by switching up tuna for meat. Tuna dumplings are easy to prepare.
Drain the Ayam Brand Tuna Light Flakes in Water, then mix well with pepper, salt, sesame oil and finely sliced spring onion.
Add one tablespoon of this filling in the middle of the wonton skin – seal with a little water. Gently add the wontons into hot water, stir and fish them out when they float to the surface.
Serve tuna wonton with a simple soup and noodles. To elevate the dish, add on steamed pak choy and a dash of onion oil or garlic oil.
4. Ubi Rebus with Sambal Chilli Tuna
Prep time: 7 minutes, cook time: 20 minutes, serves: 4 pax
Ubi rebus or boiled tapioca is a favorite across the board especially for those who grew up in kampung. While it can be a served as a sweet dessert, the kick to this hearty dish is the accompanying savoury sambal.
Wash and peel the tapioca. Cut it into 5 cm pieces.
In a pot, boil salted water. Add the tapioca and boil for 30 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Serve with Ayam Brand Chilli Tuna as the dip. Spice it up further by adding finely chopped onions, chilli padi and coriander to dip. Finish with a squeeze of lime or lemon.
The full recipes can be found at this link here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F6qrbrXB
sOvL_2HBDqBO1QiC4H0xprfIEOf8rRZUsVc/edit?usp=sharing)
