Indonesian lamb recipes

Authentic Indonesian Pempek Ikan Gabus (Fish Cakes)

Published
Sep 22, 2024
Reading time
2 min
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Pempek Ikan Gabus is a traditional Indonesian dish known for its savory and chewy texture. This delightful fish cake is a favorite in Indonesian cuisine and is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

  • 1 kg ground gabus fish (or substitute with any firm white fish)
  • 8 oz tapioca flour
  • 4 tablespoons fine salt
  • 1 tablespoon Sasa seasoning (or any all-purpose seasoning)
  • 600 ml ice-cold water
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground fish, fine salt, Sasa seasoning, ice-cold water, and vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

  2. Add Tapioca Flour: Gradually add the tapioca flour to the fish mixture, stirring continuously. Continue to mix until the flour is fully absorbed and the dough becomes cohesive and elastic.

  3. Shape the Pempek: Shape the dough into your desired form. If making Pempek Telur (egg pempek), you can fill the dough with a whole egg before sealing it.

  4. Boil the Pempek: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a small amount of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Carefully drop the shaped pempek into the boiling water. Cook until the pempek floats and becomes firm, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

  5. Drain and Serve: Remove the pempek from the boiling water and drain on a paper towel. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your Pempek Ikan Gabus with a dipping sauce or as part of a meal. This recipe yields a savory treat that embodies the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.