Authentic Bandeng Presto from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian main dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Bandeng Presto: Pressure-Cooked Milkfish

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

Milkfish (bandeng) cooked in a pressure cooker until the bones become soft and edible. A Semarang specialty that makes the notoriously bony milkfish completely digestible.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 2 whole milkfish (milkfish), cleaned
  • 4 slices ginger
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • Water for pressure cooking
  • Cooking oil for frying

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Clean and score the milkfish.
  2. Season with salt, turmeric, ginger, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves.
  3. Arrange in pressure cooker with water to cover.
  4. Pressure cook for 30-40 minutes until bones are soft.
  5. Remove carefully and let cool.
  6. Deep fry until golden and crispy.
  7. Serve with steamed rice and sambal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bandeng Presto: Pressure-Cooked Milkfish?

Milkfish (bandeng) cooked in a pressure cooker until the bones become soft and edible. A Semarang specialty that makes the notoriously bony milkfish completely digestible.

Where does Bandeng Presto: Pressure-Cooked Milkfish come from?

Bandeng Presto: Pressure-Cooked Milkfish originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Is Bandeng Presto: Pressure-Cooked Milkfish difficult to make?

Bandeng Presto: Pressure-Cooked Milkfish requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How do I store leftover Bandeng Presto: Pressure-Cooked Milkfish?

Store leftover Bandeng Presto: Pressure-Cooked Milkfish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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