Pepes Tahu: A Flavorful Indonesian Tofu Delight
If youโre looking to explore the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine, this Pepes Tahu recipe is a delightful and healthy option. Made with tofu and a medley of spices, this dish is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection, creating a savory treat that bursts with flavor in every bite. Letโs dive into this recipe and bring the taste of Indonesia to your kitchen!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Firm Tofu (Tahu) | 250 grams |
| Instant Coconut Milk Powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 2, finely chopped |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 2 cloves, minced |
| Birdโs Eye Chili (Cabe Rawit Merah) | 3, finely chopped |
| Ground Black Pepper (Merica Bubuk) | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Salt (Garam) | 1 teaspoon |
| Granulated Sugar (Gula Pasir) | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Green Onion (Daun Bawang) | 1, thinly sliced |
| Tomato (Tomat Merah) | 1, diced |
| Thai Basil (Kemangi) – optional | Thinly sliced |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves (Daun Jeruk) – optional | 3 leaves, thinly sliced |
| Flavoring (Penyedap) – optional | To taste |
| Banana Leaves (Daun Pisang) | Enough for wrapping |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine the finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, birdโs eye chili, salt, and sugar. Grind or blend until smooth, forming a fragrant spice paste.
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Mash the Tofu: In a mixing bowl, add the firm tofu and mash it well until it is smooth and creamy. You can use a fork or your hands for this step.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the spice paste to the mashed tofu along with the instant coconut milk powder, ground black pepper, thinly sliced green onion, diced tomato, and optional Thai basil or kaffir lime leaves. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring that the tofu is evenly coated with the spices.
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Wrap in Banana Leaves: Take a piece of banana leaf and spoon a portion of the tofu mixture onto the center. Fold the sides of the banana leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly to form a packet. Secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks if needed. Repeat this process until all the tofu mixture is used.
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Steam the Pepes: Prepare a steamer and arrange the wrapped banana leaf packets inside. Steam for about 25 minutes over medium heat. This cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once steamed, carefully unwrap the banana leaves (caution: steam will escape) and transfer the Pepes Tahu to a serving plate. Enjoy your Pepes Tahu warm as a delightful side dish or as a main vegetarian entrรฉe, paired with steamed rice.
Cooking Tips
- Choosing Tofu: For this recipe, firm or extra-firm tofu works best, providing a good texture that holds up during steaming.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of birdโs eye chilies based on your preference for heat. For a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the chilies.
- Banana Leaves: If banana leaves are not available, you can use parchment paper as an alternative, though the flavor will not be quite the same.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice and a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Pepes Tahu is not only a tasty dish but also a wonderful way to enjoy tofu in a unique and flavorful manner. The steaming process locks in the spices and enhances the natural taste of the tofu, making it a satisfying addition to any meal. Try making this recipe for your next gathering or a quiet night in, and let the delightful flavors transport you to the heart of Indonesia. Enjoy!
