lautnusantara.com - Pepes ikan or Steamed fish is one of Indonesia's most appetizing and flavorful traditional dishes. Using a steaming technique and banana leaves as fish wrappers, this dish successfully combines the delicate flavor of fish with distinctive spices. Pepes Ikan is often a favorite choice in various events, both family and special dishes for guests. Not only is it delicious, but it also contains high nutrition from fish which is rich in protein and vitamins. 

If you want to try pampering your taste buds with a delicious and nutritious dish, follow this recipe and how to make Pepes Ikan, which can be easily prepared in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients:

• 2 tilapia fish, cleaned and cut into several pieces
• Banana leaves(for wrapping)
• 2 lime leaves, thinly sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 lemongrass stalks, freshen the white part
• 2 cm galangal, freshly grated
• 3 basil leaves
• 3 spring onions, thinly sliced

Ground Spices:

• 5 red chili peppers (adjust to your preference)
• 5 shallots
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 cm galangal
• 1/2 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional, can be omitted if you don't like it)

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Complementary Spices:

• 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lime)
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste

How to make steamed fish:

1. Blend all the spices using a blender or mortar.
2. Heat a little oil in a pan, then saute the ground spices, lime leaves, bay leaves, lemongrass, and galangal until fragrant and cooked.
3. Add salt and sugar to taste, mix well. Correct the flavor to taste.
4. Wipe banana leaves with clean towel. Take a piece of banana leaf, place the tilapia pieces in the center.
5. Pour the sauteed seasoning over the tilapia, add basil leaves and spring onions.
6. Fold the banana leaf tightly around the fish and seasoning. Use a stick or toothpick to tie the banana leaves together.
7. Prepare a steaming pot, place the tilapia in it, and steam for about 30-40 minutes until the fish is fully cooked and the spices are absorbed.
8. Once cooked, remove the tilapia from the steaming pot and serve warm.

Pepes Ikan is ready to be served as a main dish along with white rice. Enjoy!

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