Indonesian Grilled Pepes Ikan Mujaer: Aromatic Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Pepes Ikan Mujaer Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 Mujaer fish (or any small, freshwater fish)
• For the Fish Marinade:
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • Salt to taste
• For the Pepes Seasoning:
  • 5 shallots
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 3 red chilies
  • To taste, bird’s eye chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • 2 thumb-sized pieces of turmeric
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 1 tomato
  • 3 candlenuts
  • Salt to taste
  • Sugar to taste
  • 4 stalks lemongrass (adjust based on the number of fish)
  • Fresh basil leaves
• For Wrapping:
  • Banana leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Clean the Mujaer fish thoroughly, ensuring they are free of scales and gut.
   • Blend together garlic, turmeric, ginger, and salt until smooth. This will be your marinade.
   • Rub the marinade all over the fish, ensuring they are well-coated.
   • Allow the fish to marinate for at least 1 hour; the longer you marinate, the more flavorful the fish will be.

2. Prepare the Pepes Seasoning:

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   • Blend shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies (if using), turmeric, and ginger into a smooth paste.
   • Dice the tomato and set aside.
   • Blend candlenuts into the paste.
   • Adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar to taste.

3. Prepare the Banana Leaves:

   • If using fresh banana leaves, briefly wilt them over an open flame or blanch them in boiling water to make them more pliable.

4. Assemble the Pepes:

   • Lay out a piece of banana leaf. Place the marinated fish in the center of the leaf.
   • Spread a portion of the pepes seasoning over each fish.
   • Add tomato slices, a stalk of lemongrass, and a few basil leaves on top of the seasoning.
   • Fold the banana leaf to enclose the fish, securing the packet with toothpicks or bamboo skewers. For a more secure wrap and to prevent leakage, you may double-wrap with another layer of banana leaf.

5. Cooking:

   • Steam the wrapped fish for 30-45 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and infused with the flavors.
   • If desired, you can grill the steamed pepes for a few minutes to add a smoky flavor. For a drier texture, grill a little longer, but be careful not to overcook.

6. Serving:

   • Carefully unwrap the banana leaves and serve the pepes ikan warm. Enjoy the aromatic, flavorful fish wrapped in fragrant banana leaves.

This traditional Indonesian dish, Pepes Ikan Mujaer, offers a delightful and aromatic way to enjoy fish with rich, savory flavors and a hint of smokiness. Perfect for a special meal or a flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire!