Pepes Ikan Mas: A Delicious Indonesian Steamed Fish Dish
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with Pepes Ikan Mas, a traditional Indonesian dish that boasts a delightful blend of flavors, aromatic spices, and the fresh essence of fish. This vibrant recipe showcases the rich heritage of Indonesian cooking, making it a fantastic addition to any culinary repertoire. This recipe will guide you through the steps of creating this exquisite dish, ensuring your kitchen is filled with enticing aromas that promise to elevate your dining experience. Let’s dive into the detailed preparation of Pepes Ikan Mas.
Ingredients
The following table outlines the ingredients you’ll need for Pepes Ikan Mas. Each element contributes to the overall flavor and presentation of this dish, creating a harmonious balance that’s simply irresistible.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fish (Ikan Mas) | 2 medium-sized (approx. 600 grams) |
| Spice Paste | |
| Red chilies | 10 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | 8 pieces (or to taste) |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 8 pieces |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 4 cloves |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 7 pieces |
| Turmeric (kunyit) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Ginger (jahe) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Palm sugar (gula merah) | 1-2 teaspoons |
| For Wrapping | |
| Basil leaves (daun kemangi) | To taste |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 4 leaves |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 4 leaves |
| Lemongrass (sereh) | 2 stalks |
| Salt (garam) | To taste |
| For Wrapping 2 | |
| Banana leaves (daun pisang) | As needed |
| Toothpicks or kitchen twine | For securing the wraps |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 kcal |
| Protein | 30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12 grams |
| Fats | 10 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
Preparation Steps
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to embark on the preparation of Pepes Ikan Mas. Follow these steps closely to ensure the best results.
-
Clean the Fish
Start by thoroughly cleaning the Ikan Mas (carp), making sure to remove all the entrails from the belly of the fish. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. -
Prepare the Spice Paste
In a blender or food processor, combine the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, ginger, and ground black pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and palm sugar as needed. -
Marinate the Fish
Once the spice paste is ready, rub it all over the cleaned fish, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Don’t forget to stuff some of the spice mixture into the cavity of the fish as well. -
Prepare the Wrapping
Lay out the banana leaves on a clean surface. On each piece, place some bay leaves, lemongrass (previously bruised), kaffir lime leaves, and a few basil leaves. These will infuse the fish with additional flavors during cooking. -
Wrap the Fish
Place the marinated fish on top of the layered leaves and add a few more basil leaves on top. Carefully fold the banana leaves over the fish to form a tight package. Secure the wraps with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent them from opening during cooking. -
Cooking the Fish
Place the wrapped fish into a pressure cooker. Make sure it is set up for steaming, not submerged in water. Cook the fish for approximately 30 minutes over medium heat. -
Grill the Fish
After steaming, remove the fish from the pressure cooker and unwrap it carefully. Place the fish on a preheated grill or a non-stick frying pan over low heat. The goal is to allow the spices to caramelize and dry out a bit, ensuring the flavors intensify. Grill until the banana leaves are slightly charred and the fish is heated through, flipping to ensure even cooking on both sides. -
Serving
Once the fish is beautifully grilled and the banana leaves are nicely charred, transfer it to a serving platter. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired. Pepes Ikan Mas pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables.
Conclusion
Enjoy the delectable flavors of Pepes Ikan Mas, where the aromatic spices and fresh fish create a dish that is not only pleasing to the palate but also visually stunning. This traditional Indonesian recipe encapsulates the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Gather your loved ones around the table, and savor the experience of sharing this delightful dish, which is sure to become a favorite in your culinary collection. Happy cooking!
