Pepes Ikan Mas: A Delicious Indonesian Steamed Fish Delight

Ingredients:

• 3 Medium Ikan Mas (Carp)
• Banana Leaves (for wrapping)
• 10 Red Chili Peppers (Cabe Kriting)
• 5 Bird’s Eye Chilies (Cabe Rawit)
• 10 Shallots (Bawang Merah)
• 5 Cloves of Garlic (Bawang Putih)
• 4 Candlenuts (Kemiri)
• Turmeric (Kunyit) – a piece the size of a finger
• Ginger (Jahe) – a pinch
• Salt (Garam) – to taste
• Sugar (Gula) – to taste
• Sasa Seasoning – 1 tablespoon
• Cooking Oil (Minyak Goreng) – for sautéing
• Lemongrass (Serai) – for flavoring

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Spice Mixture: Start by blending all the spices together until smooth. This includes the red chili peppers, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, and ginger.

2. Season the Mixture: Once the spices are finely blended, incorporate salt, sugar, Sasa seasoning, and cooking oil. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

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3. Prepare the Fish: Gently add the Ikan Mas into the spice mixture, ensuring each fish is coated evenly with the aromatic blend.

4. Wrap the Fish: Take the banana leaves and use them to wrap each fish individually. Place a piece of lemongrass on top of each wrapped fish for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Steam the Fish: Place the wrapped fish in a steamer and steam for about 15 minutes. This process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the fish moist.

6. Grill to Finish: After steaming, remove the fish from the steamer and grill them until the banana leaves are dry and slightly charred, enhancing the smoky flavor.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Your Pepes Ikan Mas is ready to be enjoyed! This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice and fresh vegetables, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Indonesia.

Tips:

• For an extra kick, feel free to adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice preference.
• Make sure the banana leaves are pliable; if they’re too stiff, briefly pass them over an open flame to soften before wrapping.

Nutritional Information:

Pepes Ikan Mas is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Enjoy this traditional dish as part of your culinary journey into Indonesian cuisine!