Pepes Patin Recipe: Indonesian Steamed Catfish with Aromatic Spices
Ingredients:
- 1 kg catfish (ikan patin), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 12 shallots, peeled
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 7 candlenuts (kemiri)
- 10 cm turmeric root (kunyit), peeled
- 50 ml lime juice
- 250 ml water
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Whole bird’s eye chilies (cabai rawit), to taste
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Spring onions (daun bawang), sliced
- Basil leaves (daun kemangi)
- Banana leaves (daun pisang), for wrapping
- Toothpicks, for securing
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fish:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the catfish, then cut it into desired pieces. Rub the fish with lime juice to neutralize any fishy odor. Set aside. -
Make the Spice Paste:
In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, and turmeric root into a smooth paste. Gradually add water to achieve the desired consistency. Season with salt and sugar according to your taste. -
Marinate the Fish:
Place the cleaned fish pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared spice paste, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the fish to marinate for a few minutes to let the flavors infuse. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
Slice the spring onions and tomatoes as desired. These will be added to the fish before wrapping. -
Assemble the Pepes:
Take a piece of banana leaf and place a portion of the marinated fish in the center. Add slices of spring onion, tomato, and whole bird’s eye chilies on top. Place a few basil leaves for added fragrance. -
Wrap the Pepes:
Fold the banana leaf around the fish to enclose it completely. Secure the package with toothpicks to ensure it stays closed during cooking. Repeat with the remaining fish pieces. -
Steam the Pepes:
Arrange the wrapped fish in a steamer. Steam over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the spices have melded beautifully with the fish. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully unwrap the banana leaves and transfer the fish to a serving platter. The Pepes Patin is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve with steamed rice for a complete Indonesian meal. Happy cooking! 🌻
This delightful dish not only captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine but also provides a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful experience with every bite.
