Pepes Ikan Kembung: Steamed & Grilled Mackerel in Banana Leaves
This fish recipe, which uses Indian mackerel, is prepared using a technique known as pepes. The fish is marinated and wrapped in banana leaves, then steamed, and then grilled for a fragrant, smoky flavour.
- Prep time
- 45 min
- Cook time
- 25 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 500 gr (2 pcs) kembung fish (Indian Mackerel)
- 7 shallots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 4 roasted candlenuts, chopped
- 4 cm fresh turmeric, peeled and chopped
- 4 cm fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp tamarind juice
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised and cut to 4 cm pcs
- 2 fresh or dried salam leaves
- 12 bird’s eye chillies
- 1 bunch (around 50 gr) kemangi leaves (Indonesian basil), (discard the stem)
- Fresh banana leaves for wrapping, wiped clean
- Toothpick to secure the wrapping
Instructions
- 1
Clean and wash the fish thoroughly, sprinkle with salt and lime juice to remove the fishy smell, set aside.
- 2
Using a blender or a food processor, blend to a smooth paste the shallots, garlic, candlenut, turmeric and ginger.
- 3
Transfer the paste to a bowl, add salt and tamarind juice. Mix well.
- 4
Pat the fish dry, transfer to a plate, and spread half of the spice paste evenly all over the fish. Set aside.
- 5
To prepare the wrapping: take 2 pcs of banana leaves. Place the first horizontally on a wide table, and place the second vertically on top, to form a cross-like shape.
- 6
Place about 10g kemangi leaves, 3 bird’s eye chillies, 1 salam leaf and 1 pc of lemongrass on top of the banana leaves.
- 7
Add the fish on top of the herbs and then add another layer of kemangi leaves (10-15g) and 3 chillies on top of the fish.
- 8
Fold the banana leaves to wrap the fish, making sure there are no holes or gaps. Secure the ends of the leaves using a toothpick.
- 9
Do the same thing for the other fish.
- 10
Keep both parcels in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to marinate.
- 11
Steam the wrapped fish over high heat for 25 minutes.
- 12
Before serving, grill each parcel on a non-stick pan or oven until the banana leaves are brittle and nicely browned.