Pepesan Tongkol: Spiced Steamed Mackerel Wrapped in Banana Leaves
Pepesan Tongkol is a traditional Indonesian dish featuring flavorful, spiced mackerel wrapped in banana leaves. The use of fresh herbs and aromatic spices gives this dish its rich, complex flavor, while the banana leaf wrap enhances its fragrance and moisture during the steaming process. Perfect for a family meal or a special gathering, this dish brings authentic Indonesian flavors to your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mackerel (pre-steamed) | 1 whole fish |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Curly red chilies | 10 pieces |
| Bird’s eye chilies (optional) | 5 pieces (adjust to taste) |
| Tomato | 1 medium-sized |
| Candlenuts (kemiri nuts) | 3 pieces |
| Temu kunci (fingerroot) | 1 small slice |
| Tamarind | A small amount |
| Banana leaves | As needed for wrapping |
Preparation Instructions
| Steps |
|---|
| 1. Prepare the Spice Mixture: Blend or grind the garlic, shallots, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, tomato, candlenuts, temu kunci, and tamarind into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle or a food processor. |
| 2. Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste until fragrant and well-cooked. This process helps to release the full flavor of the spices. |
| 3. Shred the Mackerel: While the spice paste is cooking, shred the pre-steamed mackerel into small pieces. Make sure to remove any bones. |
| 4. Combine the Fish and Spices: Add the shredded mackerel to the pan with the cooked spice paste. Stir well to combine, ensuring the fish is evenly coated with the spices. |
| 5. Wrap in Banana Leaves: Take a spoonful of the mackerel mixture and place it in the center of a banana leaf. Fold the leaf neatly, securing it with a toothpick or skewer to form a small, enclosed package. Repeat for the remaining mixture. |
| 6. Steam the Fish Parcels: Arrange the banana leaf-wrapped mackerel parcels in a steamer and steam for about 20 minutes. The banana leaves will change color, and the aroma will intensify as the fish cooks. |
| 7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the parcels are done steaming, carefully unwrap them and serve the Pepesan Tongkol hot, paired with steamed rice and vegetables. |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 23g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Pepesan Tongkol is a fantastic way to enjoy fish with rich spices, perfect for those looking for a unique dish with deep cultural roots. You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer bird’s eye chilies, making it suitable for every palate.
