Introduction
Tengiri Pepes Special Asam Pedas is a bold and aromatic Indonesian delicacy featuring mackerel (tengiri) enveloped in a tangy-spicy blend of chilies, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves. This steamed dish, traditionally wrapped in banana leaves, delivers a delicate yet intense flavor that brings out the essence of the sea with a punch of Southeast Asian spices. A beloved dish across Indonesia and Malaysia, it merges the “pepes” steaming method with the characteristic “asam pedas” sour and spicy flavor, offering a nutritious and delightfully balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Time
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Marination Time | 15 minutes |
| Steaming Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
Needed Equipment
- Steamer or large pot with steamer insert
- Food processor or mortar and pestle
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Banana leaves or parchment paper (optional but recommended)
Tags
#Tengiri #AsamPedas #SpicyFish #IndonesianCuisine #Pepes #SteamedFish #HealthyRecipe #LovewithRecipes
Serving Size
Serves 3 to 4 people
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Allergen Information
- Contains: Fish
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Dairy-Free: Yes
- Nut-Free: Yes
Dietary Preference
- Pescatarian
- Low-carb
- Gluten-free
Course
- Main Course
Cuisine
- Indonesian
- Southeast Asian
Ingredients
Fish & Marinade
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tengiri (mackerel), cut | 1 medium-sized fish |
| Garlic cloves, peeled | 2 |
| Shallots, peeled | 5 |
| Tomatoes, chopped | 3 medium |
| Red chili peppers or bird’s eye chilies | To taste |
| Ginger, peeled | 2 pieces (thumb-sized) |
| Turmeric, peeled | 2 pieces (thumb-sized) |
| Ground coriander | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Kaffir lime leaves (optional) | 2-3 leaves |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Paste
- Combine garlic, shallots, chopped tomatoes, chilies, ginger, turmeric, ground coriander, kaffir lime leaves, and salt.
- Blend in a food processor or grind manually with mortar and pestle until a smooth paste is formed.
Step 2: Marinate the Fish
- Rub the spice paste generously over the tengiri pieces.
- Let the fish marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Steam Preparation
- Fill a steamer pot with water and bring to a boil.
- Line the steamer basket with banana leaves or parchment paper.
Step 4: Steam the Fish
- Arrange marinated fish pieces in the steamer basket.
- Steam for 15–20 minutes until the fish is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the fish from the steamer carefully.
- Serve hot with steamed white rice and fresh vegetables.
Preparation Tips
- Use banana leaves for traditional flavor and aroma. Gently heat the leaves before using to prevent tearing.
- For extra tanginess, add a splash of tamarind paste or a squeeze of fresh lime during the marination.
- Always steam over boiling water to maintain high temperature and preserve moisture in the fish.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Tips and Tricks
- For an extra layer of spice, sauté the spice paste for 5 minutes before marinating the fish.
- To make the dish child-friendly, reduce or omit bird’s eye chilies and use sweet paprika.
- You can use parchment paper if banana leaves are unavailable, but they won’t impart the same aroma.
Add-ons
- A splash of coconut milk can be added to the spice paste for a creamier twist.
- Add sliced lemongrass for more fragrance.
- Mix in finely chopped green mango for an even tangier profile.
Side Dishes
- Steamed Jasmine Rice
- Sayur Asem (Tamarind Vegetable Soup)
- Sambal Terasi (Spicy Shrimp Paste Sauce)
- Stir-fried Kangkung (Water Spinach)
Improvements
- Use grilled fish instead of steamed for a smoky flavor.
- Top with fresh Thai basil or mint before serving.
- Combine with grilled vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers for a full plate.
Save and Store
- Refrigeration: Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat by steaming again for 5–8 minutes or gently warming in a microwave covered with a damp paper towel.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of steamed fish may deteriorate when frozen.
FAQ
Can I substitute tengiri with other types of fish?
Yes, you can use snapper, barramundi, or salmon as an alternative, but mackerel holds up best to steaming and bold spices.
Is it necessary to use banana leaves?
Not necessary, but highly recommended. They add flavor and authenticity.
Can I bake instead of steam?
Yes, you can wrap the fish in foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes.
Conclusion
Tengiri Pepes Special Asam Pedas is a celebration of Southeast Asian culinary brilliance. Its rich medley of spices, the tenderness of steamed mackerel, and the fragrance of lime leaves create a truly unforgettable dish. Whether served at a festive meal or as a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings warmth, heritage, and a burst of bold flavor to the table. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to spicy fish dish.
References
- Indonesian Culinary Dictionary, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy
- “The Complete Asian Cookbook” by Charmaine Solomon
- Traditional Indonesian Recipes Archive – Jakarta Culinary Center
