Pepes Ikan (Sundanese Fish Steamed in Banana Leaf)
In short: Firm white fish rubbed with turmeric and chili paste, wrapped with lemon basil in banana leaf, steamed, then briefly charred for a smoky, herbal flavor. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 195 kcal
Pepes is the Sundanese way of cooking in banana leaf, popular across West Java. Fish is coated in a bright spice paste of shallots, chilies, turmeric and candlenut, packed with tomato and lemon basil, then wrapped into a parcel and steamed. A short turn over a hot grill adds a smoky edge. Opening the leaf releases a rush of fragrant steam, and the juices are delicious over rice.
Instructions
- Blend all the spice paste ingredients into a smooth paste. Coat the fish with about two-thirds of the paste and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Soften the banana leaves by passing them over a gas flame or dipping them briefly in hot water until pliable. Stack them in pairs.
- On each pair of leaves, lay some basil, a piece of fish, a spoonful of the remaining paste, tomato slices, lemongrass, a lime leaf and spring onions.
- Fold the leaves over the filling into a flat packet, tuck in the ends and fasten with toothpicks.
- Steam the parcels in a covered steamer over boiling water for 25 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. It should reach 63°C (145°F).
- For a smoky finish, grill or pan-sear the parcels for 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat until the leaf is lightly charred.
- Serve each parcel unopened with steamed rice, so everyone gets the first rush of aroma.
Tips
- No banana leaves? Use parchment paper wrapped in foil, and add a few torn pandan or bay leaves to the packets for a similar aroma. Frozen banana leaves from Asian shops also work well.
- Mackerel, catfish or carp are traditional. For tofu or tempeh, steam the parcels for 15 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I make pepes ikan without a steamer?
Yes. Bake the parcels on a tray at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes. Or set them on a rack in a covered wok over boiling water.
Can I prepare pepes ahead of time?
Assemble the parcels up to 6 hours ahead and keep them chilled. Cook them straight from the fridge, adding 3 to 5 minutes.
What fish works best for pepes?
Firm fish that hold together, such as snapper, mackerel, catfish or tilapia. Delicate fish like sole fall apart in the parcel.
How long does it take to make Pepes Ikan (Sundanese Fish Steamed in Banana Leaf)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pepes Ikan (Sundanese Fish Steamed in Banana Leaf)?
About 195 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 195 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
