Mangu

ikan-pepes

Next Dish: Haggis

Ikan Pepes is a traditional Indonesian dish primarily made from fish marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, wrapped in a banana leaf, and then steamed or grilled. The marinade typically includes ingredients like turmeric, garlic, shallots, and chili peppers. The banana leaf not only adds a distinctive aroma to the dish, but also preserves the moisture of the fish. This dish is commonly served with rice and vegetables as a staple meal in Indonesia.

tilapia fish

lemongrass stalks

kaffir lime leaves

salt

shallots

garlic

shrimp paste

red chilies

mackerel

bird's eye chilies

banana leaf

ground turmeric

ground white pepper

powdered sugar

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole tilapia fish or mackerel

  • 2 lemongrass stalks

  • 2 kaffir lime leaves

  • 1 banana leaf for wrapping

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

  • Salt to taste


For the spice paste:

  • 5 red chilies

  • 3 bird’s eye chilies

  • 3 shallots

  • 3 cloves garlic

  • 1 inch turmeric

  • 1 inch ginger

  • 1 teaspoon shrimp paste

  • 1 teaspoon white pepper

  • 1 teaspoon sugar


Instructions:

  1. Clean the fish and make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish.

  2. Prepare the spice paste by blending all the spice paste ingredients in a blender until smooth.

  3. Mix the fish with the spice paste, ensuring it goes into the cuts and inside the fish.

  4. Bruise the lemongrass stalks and place them inside the fish.

  5. Place the fish on the banana leaf, add kaffir lime leaves on top, then wrap the fish with the banana leaf and secure with toothpicks or tie with a string.

  6. Heat the oil in a pan, then place the wrapped fish in the pan and cover. Cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes on each side until the banana leaf becomes brown.

  7. Remove from the heat and let it cool before unwrapping.

  8. Serve the Ikan Pepes with steamed rice.