Pempek Lembut Iwak Tenggiri Khas Palembang

Discover the delightful flavors of Pempek Lembut Iwak Tenggiri, a beloved traditional dish from Palembang that perfectly showcases the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia. This soft fish cake, made with fresh tenggiri (mackerel), is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to enjoy it in various forms, such as “kapal selam” (submarine) or “lenjer.” Paired with a tangy cuko sauce and noodles, this dish will surely impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To create approximately 10 servings of this scrumptious dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500 grams mackerel fish (ikan tenggiri), filleted
• 300 grams tapioca flour (tepung tapioka/sagu tani)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (tepung terigu)
• 100 ml ice-cold water (air es)
• 1 egg (butir telur)
• 2 tablespoons salt (garam)
• 1 tablespoon flavor enhancer (penyedap)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced (bawang putih, halusin)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Fish: Begin by filleting the mackerel. Use a spoon to scrape the flesh away from the skin and then blend the fish until smooth. If you prefer, you can include the skin for added texture and flavor.

2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended fish with the egg, ice-cold water, minced garlic, salt, and flavor enhancer. Gradually add the tapioca flour and all-purpose flour, mixing gently to ensure a smooth, cohesive dough.

3. Shape the Pempek: Once the mixture is well combined, take portions of the dough and shape them according to your preference. You can create “kapal selam” by forming a boat-like shape with a filling or opt for “lenjer,” which is a simple cylindrical shape.

4. Cook the Pempek: Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the shaped pempek into the water and cook until they float to the surface, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Allow them to cook for an additional 15 minutes to ensure the egg is fully set.

5. Storage Options: At this point, you can either freeze the pempek for later use or proceed to fry them immediately. If freezing, lay them on a tray until solid, then transfer to an airtight container.

6. Fry to Perfection: When ready to serve, heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the pempek until golden brown and crispy, usually taking about 5-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

7. Serve with Cuko: To elevate your pempek, serve them with a generous drizzle of cuko sauce and a side of noodles for a complete meal that embodies the flavors of Palembang.

Enjoy Your Culinary Creation!

With each bite of Pempek Lembut Iwak Tenggiri, you will savor the tender fish, complemented by the flavorful cuko sauce. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your table. Share this delightful dish with your loved ones and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Indonesian cuisine.