Pepes Tahu: A Flavorful Indonesian Steamed Tofu Delight
Pepes Tahu is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines the rich textures of tofu and the vibrant flavors of fresh ingredients, all wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. This dish is perfect for those seeking a healthy yet savory treat, and it showcases the wonderful use of traditional spices and fresh produce. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe to guide you through creating this delicious dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Firm tofu (tofu putih) | 3 pieces, mashed lightly but not too fine |
| Fresh shrimp (or diced chicken breast) | 10 pieces (or 1 small piece of chicken breast), diced small |
| Egg | 1 piece |
| Garlic | 1 clove, finely chopped |
| Small onion (Bawang Bombay) | 1 small, sliced |
| Green bird’s eye chili (Cabai rawit) | 20 pieces (or 5 pieces of Cabai Setan), halved |
| Galangal (Laos) | 1 finger-sized piece, smashed |
| Bay leaf (Daun salam) | 1 leaf |
| Oyster sauce (Saori) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili sauce (bottled sambal) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground pepper (Merica bubuk) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Seasoning (Penyedap rasa) | To taste |
| Banana leaves (Daun pisang) | Enough to wrap the mixture |
Instructions
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Prepare the Banana Leaves: Cut the banana leaves into suitable sizes for wrapping. Heat them on a non-stick pan (teflon) briefly to make them more pliable and prevent tearing. Set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the finely chopped garlic, sliced onion, green chilies, and either shrimp or chicken. Add the smashed galangal and bay leaf. Cook until fragrant and the shrimp or chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the mashed tofu. Add the oyster sauce, chili sauce, ground pepper, salt, sugar, and seasoning. Adjust the flavors according to your taste.
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Incorporate the Egg: Crack the egg into the tofu mixture and mix thoroughly until well combined.
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Wrap the Pepes: Take a piece of the prepared banana leaf and place a generous portion of the tofu mixture in the center. Fold the leaf over to create a packet and secure it with toothpicks (biting) or use staples to hold it together. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up.
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Steam the Pepes: Arrange the wrapped pepes in a steamer and steam for about 15 minutes over medium heat.
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Grill the Pepes: After steaming, place the pepes on a grilling surface or a pan over low heat. Grill until the banana leaves are charred and aromatic, which adds to the flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once grilled, remove the pepes from the heat and allow them to cool slightly. Unwrap the banana leaves, and serve the Pepes Tahu warm. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional Indonesian delicacy!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 150 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Final Thoughts
Pepes Tahu is not only a nourishing meal option but also a wonderful representation of Indonesian cuisine, characterized by its vibrant use of fresh ingredients and unique cooking methods. This recipe makes for a perfect addition to any meal, whether served as a main dish or a side. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful recipe, and share it with friends and family for a truly memorable dining experience!
