Pepes ikan

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Pepes ikan is an Indonesian dish consisting of fish marinated in a rich, aromatic spice blend, wrapped in banana leaves, and then steamed or grilled. It originates from the Sundanese cuisine of West Java, though it is popular across many parts of Indonesia and often adapted according to regional preferences. The name “pepes” refers to the cooking technique of enclosing seasoned ingredients in banana leaves before applying gentle heat, allowing the flavors to infuse and the fish to cook in its own juices. “Ikan” simply means fish in Indonesian, and a variety of freshwater or saltwater fish can be used, such as mackerel, tilapia, carp, or snapper. The preparation begins with a spice paste, commonly made by grinding together shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, galangal, candlenuts, red chilies, lemongrass, and sometimes tomatoes or shrimp paste. The fish is cleaned and rubbed with salt and lime juice to reduce any fishy odor, then coated thoroughly with the spice paste. Fresh herbs like salam leaves (Indonesian bay leaves), and sliced tomatoes or chili peppers may be added for additional layers of aroma and flavor. The marinated fish is placed on a sheet of banana leaf, which is then folded tightly and secured with bamboo skewers or toothpicks. Once wrapped, the packages are typically steamed until fully cooked, allowing the banana leaf to soften and the fish to absorb the spices. After steaming, the pepes can be served directly or lightly grilled to enhance aroma and create a subtle char on the leaf’s surface. The banana leaf not only holds the moisture but also imparts a gentle, earthy fragrance to the dish, resulting in a tender texture and balanced, savory flavor. Pepes ikan is commonly served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables or sambal. It is a familiar dish in Sundanese households and often appears in daily meals, roadside eateries, or during family gatherings. In some variations, the dish may use coconut milk in the spice blend or substitute fish with tofu, tempeh, or chicken.