Balinese Pepes Tuna Recipe
Pepes Tuna is a traditional Balinese dish that involves marinating tuna in a rich blend of aromatic spices and wrapping it in banana leaves before grilling. This method infuses the tuna with vibrant flavors and keeps it moist. Here’s how you can recreate this delightful Indonesian dish at home:
Ingredients:
- 15 grams turmeric (kunyit)
- 10 grams lesser galangal (kencur)
- 10 grams ginger (jahe)
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds (ketumbar)
- 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
- 10 grams galangal (laos)
- 4 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
- 5 cloves shallots (bawang merah)
- 5 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste (asam jawa)
- 1 teaspoon palm sugar (gula merah)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (minyak kelapa)
- 1/2 lime (jeruk limo)
- 500 grams tuna (or any preferred fish)
- Salt, to taste
- Banana leaves (daun pisang), for wrapping
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
Begin by creating the spice paste. Use a mortar and pestle to grind together turmeric, lesser galangal, ginger, coriander seeds, candlenuts, galangal, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and garlic until you achieve a smooth and fragrant paste. If using a blender, you might need to add a little water to help blend the spices, but traditionally, the mortar and pestle are preferred for a more authentic texture. -
Marinate the Tuna:
Cut the tuna into bite-sized pieces according to your preference. In a mixing bowl, combine the spice paste with the tuna. Add tamarind paste, palm sugar, coconut oil, and a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt to taste. Mix well to ensure that the tuna pieces are evenly coated with the spice mixture. -
Prepare the Banana Leaves:
Cut the banana leaves into rectangular pieces large enough to wrap the tuna. Briefly wilt the leaves over an open flame or in hot water to make them pliable. -
Wrap the Tuna:
Place a portion of the marinated tuna in the center of each banana leaf rectangle. Fold the edges of the leaves to enclose the tuna securely, making sure there are no openings. You can use toothpicks or kitchen twine to seal the edges if needed. -
Grill the Pepes Tuna:
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the wrapped tuna parcels on the grill. Cook the pepes tuna for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally. To check for doneness, press on the parcels; the tuna should feel firm. Avoid letting the banana leaves burn, as they can obscure the doneness of the fish. -
Serve:
Once cooked, carefully unwrap the banana leaves. The Pepes Tuna is now ready to be served. Enjoy it with steamed rice or as part of a traditional Indonesian meal.
This Balinese Pepes Tuna brings a taste of Indonesia to your kitchen with its aromatic spices and unique cooking method. Enjoy this flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
