Pepes Ikan

Name: Pepes Ikan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs white fish fillets (mackerel or barramundi); 8 banana leaves, cut into 8-inch squares; 4 red chilies, seeded; 6 shallots; 6 garlic cloves; 2 tbsp fresh ginger; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 2 tbsp galangal, thinly sliced; 4 stalks lemongrass, chopped; 1/2 cup coconut milk; 4 kaffir lime leaves, chopped; 1/2 tsp sea salt; pinch white pepper

Fish steamed in fragrant banana leaves with spiced paste. Tender, aromatic, and infused with chilies, shallots, and herbs.

45 minMediumServes 4280 cal/serving

IndonesianDinnerStovetop and OvenStandard

Ingredients

1.5 lbs white fish fillets (mackerel or barramundi)
8 banana leaves, cut into 8-inch squares
4 red chilies, seeded
6 shallots
6 garlic cloves
2 tbsp fresh ginger
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
2 tbsp galangal, thinly sliced
4 stalks lemongrass, chopped
1/2 cup coconut milk
4 kaffir lime leaves, chopped
1/2 tsp sea salt
pinch white pepper

Instructions

1

In a food processor, combine 4 red chilies, 6 shallots, 6 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 2 tbsp galangal. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
2

Soften 8 cut into 8-inch squares banana leaves by briefly passing them over a flame or dipping in hot water. This makes them pliable.
3

Place a 1.5 lbs white fish fillets (mackerel or barramundi) fillet on a banana leaves square. Spread a spoonful of the spice paste on top. Add some 4 stalks chopped lemongrass and 4 chopped kaffir lime leaves.
4

Drizzle with 1/2 cup coconut milk and season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and pinch white pepper.
5

Fold banana leaves edges to create a secure packet. Use toothpicks if needed.
6

Steam packets for 20-25 minutes on a stovetop steamer or in a bamboo steamer basket. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
7

Carefully open packets (hot steam!), arrange on a platter, and serve with steamed rice.

Questions

How long does Pepes Ikan keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within two days (seafood turns fast). Reheat covered in a 300 F oven until warmed through.

Can I halve or double Pepes Ikan?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

Serve it with

Nasi Kuning side
Rujak Uleg salad
Sambal Bajak sauce
Es Teler Mixed Fruit Coconut Cooler drink

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