Spiced Indonesian Tofu Pepes Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Pepes Tahu Recipe

Pepes Tahu is a delightful Indonesian dish where tofu is combined with aromatic herbs and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. This recipe provides a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. Here’s how you can prepare this scrumptious dish:

Ingredients:

• 3 pieces of firm tofu (tahu putih)
• 2 stalks of green onions (daun bawang)
• 2 stalks of celery (seledri)
• 4 red shallots (bawang merah)
• 2 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
• 1 red chili pepper (cabe merah)
• 1 green chili pepper (cabe ijo)
• 1 egg (telur ayam)
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper (lada bubuk)
• 2 sheets of banana leaves (daun pisang)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt (garam)
• 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning powder (penyedap)
• 1 teaspoon of sugar (gula)
• 1 packet of instant seasoning (masako)
• 5 tablespoons of cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tofu: Start by washing the tofu thoroughly. Then, mash it finely and squeeze out any excess water. This step ensures that the tofu will blend well with the other ingredients.

2. Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the red shallots, garlic, red chili pepper, green chili pepper, green onions, and celery. These fresh ingredients will infuse the dish with vibrant flavors and textures.

3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed tofu with the sliced vegetables. Add the egg, salt, seasoning powder, sugar, black pepper, and instant seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

4. Wrap the Tofu Mixture: Cut the banana leaves into manageable pieces, if necessary. Place a portion of the tofu mixture onto each piece of banana leaf. Fold the leaves over the mixture to form a neat package. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the wrapping intact.

5. Cook the Pepes Tahu: Heat the cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Place the wrapped tofu packages in the pan and cook, turning occasionally. Fry until the banana leaves turn a golden brown color and the tofu is cooked through. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

6. Serving: Once cooked, remove the Pepes Tahu from the pan and let them cool slightly before unwrapping. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or as part of a main meal.

Enjoy the aromatic and savory flavors of Pepes Tahu, a traditional Indonesian delight that’s sure to impress your family and friends!