Pepes Ikan Mas: A Delightful Indonesian Steamed Fish Dish

Pepes Ikan Mas, a traditional Indonesian dish, showcases the delicate flavors of fish wrapped in fragrant spices and aromatic herbs. This recipe not only highlights the freshness of the ingredients but also embraces the cooking techniques that preserve their essence. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this dish is a culinary adventure that transports you straight to the heart of Indonesia.

Ingredients

To prepare Pepes Ikan Mas, gather the following ingredients:

1 kg of Ikan Mas (Carp), cleaned and rubbed with lime juice
10 Kemiri Nuts (Candlenuts)
15 Red Chilies
10 Bird’s Eye Chilies (whole)
7 Shallots
3 Garlic Cloves
1 Thumb-sized piece of Turmeric
3 Stalks of Lemongrass, chopped
10 Bay Leaves (use 2 leaves to wrap the fish)
3 tablespoons of Cooking Oil
Banana Leaves for wrapping
Salt, to taste
Seasoning Powder (like Sasa), to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Spice Mixture

Blend the Spices: Begin by either grinding or blending the kemiri nuts, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, and turmeric until you achieve a smooth paste. This aromatic mixture is the heart of your dish.
Combine with Oil: Transfer the spice paste into a mixing bowl. Add the cooking oil, salt, and seasoning powder. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Marinating the Fish

Marinate the Ikan Mas: Add the cleaned fish into the bowl with the spice mixture. Ensure that the fish is evenly coated with the marinade, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Wrapping with Banana Leaves

Prepare the Wrapping: Take a piece of banana leaf and place a portion of the marinated fish on it. Top with chopped lemongrass and two bay leaves.
Wrap the Fish: Carefully fold the banana leaf around the fish, ensuring it is securely wrapped to hold in all the delicious flavors during cooking.

Cooking the Fish

Steam the Fish: Place the wrapped fish into a steamer or pressure cooker. Steam for about 60 minutes. This slow cooking method ensures the fish becomes tender and infused with the aromatic spices. If using a regular steamer, feel free to steam until the fish is cooked through and flaky.

Serving

Ready to Serve: Once cooked, carefully unwrap the fish and serve hot. Pepes Ikan Mas is best enjoyed with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.

Enjoy Your Culinary Creation

Happy cooking! This delicious Pepes Ikan Mas will surely impress your guests and family alike, bringing a taste of Indonesia to your table. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warmth of sharing this wonderful dish with your loved ones.