Pepes Ikan (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf)
Pepes is a cooking method using banana leafs to cover the food. You can use fish, chicken, ground beef, tofu, mushrooms etc. inside of the pepes. The banana-leaf package can be boiled, steamed or grilled on charcoal. It allows for the spices to be pressed up against the main ingredient while being cooked maximizing flavour. It also adds the fragrance of the banana leaf being cooked or burned. Although it is cooked with the food, it is used as a organic wrapper and is not consumed with the meal.
Serves 3 people
Ingredients
- 300 gr tuna fish
- 4 tbsp bumbu bali
- 8 pieces lemon basil
Instructions
- Season tuna fish with salt and pepper and then cover it evenly with bumbu bali.
- Add tomato slice, lemon basil, and squeeze with lemon juice.
- Place fish in the centre of the banana leaf.
- Fold the leaf around the fillet in the shape of a small parcel and fasten with a small toothpick.
- Steam parcels for 7-10 minutes and then place on charcoal cooker or under a grill and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the banana leaves are evenly browned.