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Pepes Kembung Tahu: A Delightful Indonesian Steamed Fish Dish
Ingredients:

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For the Main Ingredients:
- 3 large mackerel fish (kembung), cut in half
- 6 small tofu pieces
- 3 bunches of boiled cassava leaves (daun ubi)
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
- 5 red bird’s eye chilies, sliced
- 1/8 of a fresh coconut, grated
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For the Spice Paste:
- 15 shallots
- 6 garlic cloves
- 30 red bird’s eye chilies
- 8 curly red chilies
- 2 large red chilies
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet of chicken bouillon (Masako)
- 75 ml thick coconut milk, for blending
- 1 piece of ginger
- 1 piece of turmeric
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Steps:
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Blend all the spice paste ingredients—shallots, garlic, red bird’s eye chilies, curly red chilies, large red chilies, salt, chicken bouillon, ginger, turmeric, and granulated sugar—with the thick coconut milk until smooth.
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Marinate the Fish:
- Place the mackerel pieces in a bowl and coat them with the prepared spice paste. Allow the fish to marinate for 20 minutes.
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Prepare the Tofu Mixture:
- Use a fork to crumble the tofu. Mix the crumbled tofu with the fish marinade. Add the grated coconut and the boiled cassava leaves, combining everything well.
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Wrap the Fish:
- Lay out the fish, tofu, and cassava leaf mixture on banana leaves. Carefully wrap the banana leaves around the fish mixture, securing the edges. Repeat this process until all the fish and mixture are wrapped.
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Steam:
- Arrange the wrapped packages in a steamer. Steam over high heat for 30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
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Grill:
- After steaming, place the wrapped fish packets on a grill. Grill until the banana leaf is charred and the fish skin is crispy. The grilling will enhance the flavors and provide a delightful smoky aroma.
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Serve:
- Unwrap the banana leaves and transfer the Pepes Kembung Tahu to a serving dish. Enjoy this flavorful dish with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal.
This Pepes Kembung Tahu is a harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a perfect choice for a hearty and satisfying meal.