Cara Masak Pepes Ikan

>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, today we will discuss how to cook one of the most popular dishes in Indonesia, which is pepes ikan. This dish has a distinctive flavor that is rich in spices and herbs. Pepes ikan is usually made from fish, and it is cooked by wrapping the fish in banana leaves before grilling it. This dish is not only delicious, but it is also healthy since it uses a lot of natural ingredients. So, let’s get started and learn how to make pepes ikan!

What is Pepes Ikan?

Pepes ikan is a traditional Indonesian dish that is quite popular throughout the country. The word ‘pepes’ comes from the Javanese language, which means ‘wrapped in banana leaves.’ The dish is usually made from a variety of fish, such as catfish, tilapia, or mackerel. The fish is seasoned with a mixture of spices and herbs, and then wrapped in banana leaves before being grilled or steamed. The banana leaves help to infuse the fish with the aroma of the spices, as well as provide a natural wrapping material.

The Ingredients

The first thing that you need to prepare to make pepes ikan is the ingredients. Here are the ingredients that you need:

The Cooking Process

Here is the step-by-step process to make pepes ikan:

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

The first thing you need to do is to clean the fish thoroughly. Remove the scales, gut, and clean the fish under running water. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth. Cut the fish into small pieces, and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Spices

Next, you need to prepare the spices. Peel and slice the shallots, garlic, and turmeric. Cut the chili peppers into small pieces, and remove the seeds if you want less spicy. Cut the tomatoes into small chunks. Remove the outer layer of the lemongrass, and smash it to release the aroma. Peel and slice the galangal into thin pieces.

Step 3: Mixing the Spices

In a bowl, mix together the sliced shallots, garlic, chili peppers, turmeric, coriander, salt, sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Crush all of the spices together until they form a paste. Add the lime juice and mix well.

Step 4: Wrapping in Banana Leaves

Take one piece of banana leaf, and place a small portion of the spice paste in the center. Add a few pieces of fish on top of the spice paste. Fold the banana leaf to make a neat package, ensuring that the spice paste is well-distributed on the fish. Repeat with the remaining banana leaves and fish.

Step 5: Steaming or Grilling

You can either steam or grill the pepes ikan. If you choose to steam the pepes ikan, put the wrapped fish into a steamer basket and steam for 20 minutes until cooked. If you choose to grill the pepes ikan, preheat the grill and place the wrapped fish on the grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked.

FAQ

1. What Is the Best Type of Fish to Use for Pepes Ikan?

The best type of fish to use for pepes ikan is any freshwater fish that has a firm texture and light flavor. Some popular choices include catfish, tilapia, and mackerel.

2. What Makes Pepes Ikan Different from Other Indonesian Fish Dishes?

Pepes ikan is different from other Indonesian fish dishes because of its unique wrapping method. The fish is wrapped in banana leaves, which infuses the dish with a distinct aroma and flavor.

3. Can I Use Other Ingredients for the Spice Paste?

Yes, you can use other ingredients for the spice paste depending on your taste preferences. Some people like to add ginger, candlenut, or shrimp paste to the paste to give it a richer flavor. You can also adjust the amount of chili peppers or sugar depending on how spicy or sweet you want the dish to be.

4. Can I Cook Pepes Ikan without Banana Leaves?

Yes, you can cook pepes ikan without banana leaves, but it will not have the same aroma and flavor. If you don’t have banana leaves, you can use aluminum foil or parchment paper to wrap the fish instead.

5. Is Pepes Ikan Healthy?

Yes, pepes ikan is a healthy dish since it uses a lot of natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, and fish. It is also cooked by steaming or grilling, which is a healthier cooking method compared to frying.

Cara Masak Pepes Ikan