Step 1

Grind the black peppercorns in a mortar until fine. Add the turmeric and grind into a fine paste. Add red curry paste and shrimp paste and pound to mix.

Step 2

If your tuna was packed in water, add 3 Tbsp of oil to a wok. If the tuna was packed in oil, you can reduce the amount you add to 2 Tbsp. Add the curry paste, turmeric and black pepper in a wok and saute for 2 mins over medium heat until aromatic.

Step 3

Add the palm sugar and stir until dissolved.

Step 4

If it looks a little dry, you can add a small splash of water to loosen the paste so it will mix more easily with the tuna, then add the tuna and mix well until the curry paste is evenly distributed. Keep stirring until the tuna is dry and crumbly.

Step 5

Add the lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilies if using them; toss just to mix and turn off the heat.

Step 6

Taste and add fish sauce as needed. It's important to taste before adding fish sauce because some curry pastes are already quite salty to start.

Step 7

Toss in cilantro if you wish, and serve.