Pepes Ikan
Indonesian Spiced Fish in Banana Leaves
Pepes Ikan is a traditional Indonesian dish where fish is marinated in a fragrant spice paste, mixed with fresh herbs and aromatics, then meticulously wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or grilled until tender and infused with flavor. This method not only imparts a unique aroma but also keeps the fish incredibly moist.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Whole fish (e.g., snapper, tilapia, mackerel)
- 200 g Spice paste (Bumbu Halus)(This typically includes shallots, garlic, galangal, turmeric, ginger, chilies, candlenuts, and shrimp paste. You can buy pre-made or make your own.)
- 4 Banana leaves(Fresh or frozen. If frozen, thaw completely. Soften by briefly passing over an open flame or dipping in hot water to make them pliable.)
- 1 cup Lemon basil (Kemangi)
- 2 Tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Lime juice(Optional, for marinating the fish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Sugar
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the spice paste (Bumbu Halus). If using store-bought, ensure it's ready. If making from scratch, combine shallots, garlic, galangal, turmeric, ginger, chilies (adjust to your spice preference), candlenuts, and a small amount of shrimp paste (terasi) in a food processor or mortar and pestle. Blend or pound until a smooth paste forms. Season the paste with salt and a pinch of sugar to taste. Set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Prepare the fish. Rinse the cleaned fish under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Make a few shallow slashes on both sides of each fish. If using, toss the fish with lime juice, salt, and a little of the spice paste, ensuring it's coated evenly. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the banana leaves.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Prepare the banana leaf wrappers. If using fresh leaves, briefly pass them over a low flame or dip them in hot water until they become soft and pliable, which prevents them from tearing. If using frozen leaves, thaw them completely and soften as needed. Cut each leaf into a large rectangular piece, approximately 12x15 inches (30x38 cm), large enough to fully enclose one fish.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Assemble the pepes. Lay one softened banana leaf flat. Spread a generous layer of the spice paste in the center of the leaf, enough to form a bed for the fish. Place one marinated fish on top of the paste. Top the fish with a few sprigs of lemon basil and a couple of tomato wedges. Fold the banana leaf over the fish to enclose it completely, like a parcel. Secure the edges by folding them tightly or using toothpicks/string if necessary to prevent leakage.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Cook the pepes. Choose your preferred method:\n\nSteaming: Arrange the wrapped fish parcels in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 30-40 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. The aroma of the spices and banana leaf will become very fragrant.\n\nGrilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 180-200°C / 350-400°F). Place the wrapped fish parcels directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until the banana leaf is charred and the fish is cooked through. You may want to wrap the parcels in foil first for grilling to prevent burning.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 6
Serve. Carefully unwrap the banana leaf parcels (be mindful of the hot steam). Serve the Pepes Ikan immediately, accompanied by steamed rice and perhaps some sambal.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The banana leaf imparts a subtle, sweet, and earthy aroma to the fish, enhancing its flavor significantly.
- ✓Pepes Ikan is a classic dish originating from Sundanese cuisine in West Java, Indonesia.
- ✓While fish is traditional, this wrapping and cooking technique can be adapted for chicken, tofu, tempeh, or vegetables.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Pepes Tahu (Tofu Pepes)
- Pepes Tempeh (Tempeh Pepes)
- Pepes Udang (Shrimp Pepes)