Pepes Tahu Udang Rebon: A Delightful Indonesian Steamed Tofu Dish
Embark on a culinary adventure with Pepes Tahu Udang Rebon, a delightful Indonesian dish that brings together the rich flavors of seasoned tofu, succulent shrimp, and aromatic herbs. This recipe is not just about creating a meal; it’s about indulging in a vibrant cultural experience that showcases the exquisite tastes of Southeast Asia. Ideal for both special occasions and everyday dining, this dish will undoubtedly impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To prepare this scrumptious Pepes Tahu Udang Rebon, gather the following ingredients, ensuring that you have everything ready before you start cooking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tahu Putih (firm tofu) | 400 grams |
| Tahu Kulit (skin tofu, filling) | 6 pieces (use the filling only) |
| Carrots | 2 medium-sized |
| Udang Rebon (dried shrimp) | 50 grams |
| Daun Kemangi (Thai basil) | 1 bunch |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Daun Bawang (green onion) | 1 stalk |
| Seledri (celery) | 1 stalk |
| Cabe Rawit Hijau (green chili) | 15 pieces |
| Daun Jeruk (lime leaves) | 6 leaves |
| Daun Kunyit (turmeric leaf) | 1 leaf |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Chicken bouillon powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomat Merah (red tomato) | 2 medium |
| Oil for frying | As needed |
For the Spice Paste (Bahan Halus)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabe Merah Keriting (red chilies) | 7 pieces |
| Cabe Rawit Merah (red chili) | 6 pieces |
| Sereh (lemongrass) | 1 stalk |
| Bawang Putih (garlic) | 4 cloves |
| Bawang Merah (red onion) | 6 cloves |
For Serving (Bahan Pelengkap)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Daun Pisang (banana leaves) | As needed |
| Toothpicks | As needed |
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a flavorful Pepes Tahu Udang Rebon that will be a hit at your table.
-
Preparation of Ingredients:
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Cut the tofu into small pieces, and set aside. Finely chop the carrots, and wash the dried shrimp thoroughly before setting them aside as well.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- Combine the red chilies, red chili, lemongrass, garlic, and red onion in a blender. Blend until smooth to create the spice paste.
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Cooking the Mixture:
- In a pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant.
- Next, introduce the lime leaves, turmeric leaf, chopped carrots, and dried shrimp to the pan. Stir well and cook until the carrots start to soften.
-
Combine with Tofu:
- After the vegetables have softened, add the green onions, green chilies, and diced tomatoes. Mix everything thoroughly and then turn off the heat.
- Season the mixture with salt, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Gently fold in the tofu, Thai basil, and the beaten egg until everything is well incorporated.
-
Preparing the Pepes:
- Take two pieces of banana leaves and layer them with a turmeric leaf. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the tofu mixture onto the leaves.
- Fold the sides of the banana leaves over the filling, then fold the top and bottom to create a packet. Secure the packet with a toothpick.
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Steaming the Pepes:
- Place the prepared packets in a steamer and steam for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the tofu to absorb the aromatic spices.
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Serving:
- Once steamed, carefully unwrap the Pepes Tahu Udang Rebon. Serve hot, garnished with additional Thai basil or fresh vegetables, if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Pepes Tahu Udang Rebon recipe encapsulates the heart of Indonesian cuisine, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The steaming process enhances the dish, allowing all the ingredients to come together harmoniously, creating a healthy and appetizing meal. Whether you’re introducing friends to new culinary experiences or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to bring joy to your dining table.
Happy Cooking! Enjoy your delicious Pepes Tahu Udang Rebon, and feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients and make this recipe your own!
