Authentic Pepes Ikan from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian main dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

Fish fillets seasoned with a vibrant spice paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed or grilled. A Sundanese method that keeps fish moist and fragrant.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
NE
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

  • 500 g firm white fish fillets
  • 5 shallots
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 5 red chilies
  • 3 cm turmeric
  • 2 cm ginger
  • 3 lemongrass stalks, sliced
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves, shredded
  • Salt and lime juice
  • Banana leaves for wrapping

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Grind shallots, garlic, chilies, turmeric, and ginger into a paste.
  2. Mix spice paste with sliced lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, salt, and lime juice.
  3. Coat fish fillets thoroughly with the spice mixture.
  4. Wrap each fillet in banana leaf.
  5. Steam for 20-25 minutes or grill over charcoal.
  6. Serve directly in the banana leaf wrapper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf?

Fish fillets seasoned with a vibrant spice paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed or grilled. A Sundanese method that keeps fish moist and fragrant.

Where does Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf come from?

Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Is Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf difficult to make?

Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf?

The spiciness can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of chili peppers. For milder versions, reduce or omit the bird's eye chilies (cabe rawit).

How do I store leftover Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf?

Store leftover Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

🥘Recipes Using Similar Ingredients

NE

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
Loading views...