Savory Steamed Tilapia with Spicy Herb Marinade (Mujair Bumbu Pepes)

Mujair Bumbu Pepes: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Mujair Bumbu Pepes is a traditional Indonesian dish that showcases the delicate flavors of tilapia, beautifully marinated and steamed with aromatic spices. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a savory and fragrant dish that can be enjoyed warm or cold. Perfect for family gatherings or as a delightful addition to any meal!

Ingredients

• 5 medium-sized tilapia (mujair), cleaned
• 5 shallots, peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 cm fresh ginger
• 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 7 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 1 turmeric leaf (daun kunyit), torn into pieces
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 4 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 glass of water (about 250 ml)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, ginger, candlenuts, ground turmeric, and bird’s eye chilies. Blend until smooth, forming a fragrant spice paste.

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2. Cook the Spices: In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste to the pan, along with a little water to prevent sticking. Sauté the mixture until the spices are well-cooked and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Marinate the Fish: Once the spices are cooked, add the cleaned tilapia to the pan, ensuring each fish is well-coated with the spice mixture. Allow the fish to sit for a few moments to absorb the flavors.

4. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Gently fold in the diced tomato and pour in one glass of water. Cook the fish until fully cooked and the sauce has reduced and thickened, flipping the fish once during cooking for even flavor distribution. Cover the pan to retain moisture.

5. Taste and Adjust: After cooking, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. The dish is now ready to be served!

6. Serve: Enjoy your Mujair Bumbu Pepes warm or allow it to cool for a delightful cold dish. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful treat.

Enjoyment Tips

This Mujair Bumbu Pepes not only highlights the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia but also offers a delightful blend of flavors that can cater to various palates. Whether served hot or cold, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your guests. Try making it for your next gathering and enjoy the compliments that follow!