Pepes Bandeng Presto
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg Presto Bandeng (milkfish)
- Banana leaves (enough to wrap the fish)
- 4 large green chilies
- For the Spice Paste:
- 15 shallots
- 8 cloves garlic
- 8 red chilies
- 4 cm turmeric
- 6 cm galangal
- 3 cm ginger
- 7 bird’s eye chilies
- 2 medium tomatoes
- Salt and sugar to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
Begin by grinding the shallots, garlic, red chilies, turmeric, galangal, ginger, bird’s eye chilies, and tomatoes into a smooth paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this. -
Season the Fish:
Mix the freshly made spice paste with salt and sugar to taste. Pour this seasoned spice mixture over the Presto Bandeng. Let it marinate for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse the fish. -
Prepare the Green Chilies:
Slice the green chilies diagonally and mix them with the marinated fish. -
Wrap the Fish:
Lay out the banana leaves on a flat surface. Place the marinated fish and green chilies in the center of each leaf. Fold the banana leaves around the fish, securing it well to form a parcel. -
Steam the Fish:
Steam the wrapped fish in a steamer for approximately 40 minutes. Ensure that the steam is consistent for even cooking. -
Grill the Fish:
After steaming, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Remove the fish from the banana leaves and place it in the pan. Grill each side until the fish is slightly dry and has a light, golden-brown crust. -
Serve:
Your Pepes Bandeng Presto is now ready to be served. Enjoy this flavorful Indonesian dish as a main course with steamed rice.
This traditional recipe showcases the essence of Indonesian cuisine, blending aromatic spices with the delicate flavors of milkfish. Enjoy the culinary journey!
