Pepes Kembung Tahu
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Pepes Kembung Tahu, a traditional Indonesian dish that combines fresh mackerel with tofu, aromatic spices, and wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. This recipe is perfect for a cozy meal or an impressive dinner party.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kembung (mackerel) | 3 large, cut in half |
| Tahu (tofu) | 6 small pieces |
| Daun ubi (cassava leaves) | 3 bunches, boiled |
| Sereh (lemongrass) | 2 stalks, bruised |
| Cabe rawit merah (bird’s eye chili) | 5, sliced |
| Kelapa parut (grated coconut) | 1/8 coconut |
Spice Paste:
| Spice | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bawang merah (shallots) | 15 pieces |
| Bawang putih (garlic) | 6 cloves |
| Cabe rawit (bird’s eye chili) | 30 pieces |
| Cabe keriting (curly chili) | 8 pieces |
| Cabe besar (large chili) | 2 pieces |
| Garam (salt) | 2 tsp |
| Masako seasoning | 1 packet |
| Santan kental (thick coconut milk) | 75 ml, for blending |
| Jahe (ginger) | 1 piece |
| Kunyit (turmeric) | 1 piece |
| Gula pasir (sugar) | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender, combine shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, curly chilies, large chilies, salt, Masako seasoning, thick coconut milk, ginger, turmeric, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
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Marinate the Fish: Place the mackerel halves in a bowl, pour the spice paste over them, and let them marinate for 20 minutes.
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Mix Tofu: Using a fork, mash the tofu and add it to the marinated fish mixture. Incorporate the grated coconut and boiled cassava leaves thoroughly.
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Wrap the Mixture: Take banana leaves, and spoon the fish and tofu mixture onto the leaves. Fold the leaves over to enclose the filling securely.
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Steam: Place the wrapped packages in a steamer and cook for 30 minutes.
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Grill: After steaming, grill the packages until the fish skin is charred and the moisture is reduced.
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Serve: Carefully unwrap and serve hot, enjoying the aromatic flavors of this delightful dish!
This Pepes Kembung Tahu is sure to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds with its ultimate blend of spices and textures. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
