Pepes Ikan Kembung Mantap

Experience the rich flavors of Indonesia with this delightful recipe for Pepes Ikan Kembung, a traditional dish that features grilled mackerel wrapped in aromatic herbs and spices. This dish is perfect for those looking to explore authentic culinary experiences.

Ingredients

• Fish:
  • 6 mackerel (ikan kembung)
• Petai (stink beans):
  • 2 boards of petai, sliced
• Banana leaves:
  • 6 sheets of banana leaves, for wrapping
• Toothpicks:
  • 12 toothpicks, for securing the wraps
• Cooking oil:
  • 4 tablespoons of cooking oil
• Herbs:
  • 12 leaves of salam (Indonesian bay leaves)
  • 12 leaves of jeruk lemo (lime leaves)
• Lime:
  • 1 lime, juiced

Ground Spices (Bumbu Halus)

• 10 shallots
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 pieces of galangal (laos)
• 1 piece of thick turmeric (kunyit)
• Brown sugar, to taste
• ½ piece of ginger
• 2 stalks of lemongrass (sere)
• Shrimp paste (terasi udang), to taste
• 1 candle nut (kemiri)
• 8 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), coarsely ground
• 10 curly chilies (cabe kriting)
• Tamarind, to taste (asam jawa)

Preparation Steps

1. Clean the Fish:
   Begin by cleaning the mackerel thoroughly, then rub them with lime juice and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This process helps to eliminate any fishy odor.

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2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
   In a bowl, combine the ground spices with the cooking oil and sliced petai. Mix well to create a fragrant paste.

3. Wrap the Fish:
   Take the marinated mackerel and wrap each one with banana leaves. Add the salam leaves, jeruk lemo leaves, sliced petai, and the spice mixture on top of the fish.

4. Secure the Wrap:
   Fold the banana leaves securely around the fish, and use toothpicks to hold everything in place.

5. Cooking:
   Place the wrapped fish on a grill or steamer. Cook until the fish is thoroughly cooked and the flavors meld together beautifully, allowing the aromatic steam to infuse the fish.

Serving Suggestions

Once cooked, carefully unwrap the banana leaves to reveal the succulent Pepes Ikan Kembung, and serve with steamed rice and sambal for a complete meal that celebrates the authentic taste of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends, and may it inspire joy and satisfaction in every bite!

Happy cooking! May this recipe be a cherished addition to your culinary adventures!