Pepes Ikan Tuna: A Flavorful Steamed Delight

Indulge in the delicious and aromatic experience of Pepes Ikan Tuna, a traditional Indonesian dish that showcases fresh tuna fillets infused with vibrant herbs and spices, all wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for impressing family and friends at your next gathering. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe!

Ingredients

For the Fish:

3 pieces of fresh tuna fillets (about 150-200 grams each)
2 bunches of kemangi leaves (Indonesian basil), leaves only
1 stalk of lemongrass, crushed and cut into matchstick-sized pieces
3 bay leaves
1 large tomato, roughly chopped
Salt, to taste
Granulated sugar, to taste
Banana leaves, for wrapping
Steamer, for cooking the pepes

For the Spice Paste:

1 stick of turmeric
1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches)
1 piece of galangal (about 2 inches)
3 red chilies
15 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
4 candlenuts

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Tuna

Start by thoroughly cleaning the tuna fillets. To eliminate any fishy odor, soak the fillets in a mixture of vinegar or lemon juice for about 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

Step 2: Making the Spice Paste

In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the turmeric, ginger, galangal, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and candlenuts. Blend or pound until you achieve a smooth paste. Once done, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar to suit your palate.

Step 3: Assembling the Pepes

Take pieces of banana leaves cut to size for your fish. Place a piece of tuna on each leaf, then generously spoon over the spice paste. Add a few pieces of lemongrass, bay leaves, and some chopped tomatoes. Fold the banana leaves tightly around the fish and secure with bamboo skewers or toothpicks.

Step 4: Steaming the Pepes

Prepare your steamer and bring the water to a boil. Place the wrapped pepes into the steamer basket and steam for about 45 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the aroma fills your kitchen and the fish is fully cooked.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once steamed, remove the pepes from the steamer. For an extra layer of flavor, you can grill them briefly over a non-stick pan or on the stove until the banana leaves start to char slightly.

Step 6: Serving

Carefully unwrap the banana leaves to reveal the beautifully cooked fish and fragrant herbs. Serve the Pepes Ikan Tuna warm, accompanied by steamed rice and your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in protein from the tuna and packed with vitamins and minerals from the herbs and spices. Enjoy this healthy and satisfying meal as part of your culinary repertoire!

Enjoy your culinary adventure with Pepes Ikan Tuna, where every bite is a celebration of flavor and tradition. Happy cooking!