High Protein Pepes Tongkol (Indonesian Spiced Tuna Steamed in Banana Leaves)
Elevate your dinner menu with *High Protein Pepes Tongkol*, a traditional Indonesian dish that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is healthy. This spiced tuna recipe involves wrapping fresh tuna fillets in aromatic banana leaves with a rich spice paste made from shallots, garlic, chilies, turmeric, and candlenuts for an authentic blend of bold, tropical flavors. Steamed to tender perfection, the fish is infused with notes of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and fresh basil, resulting in a nutrient-packed, protein-rich meal. Not only is this dish a feast for the taste buds, but its fragrant banana leaf parcels make for an eye-catching, restaurant-worthy presentation. Serve it steaming hot with a squeeze of fresh lime to bring out its zesty, spicy aroma—ideal for a wholesome dinner or an impressive party centerpiece. Perfect for fans of Southeast Asian cuisine looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and gluten-free meal!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
.jpg)
Ingredients
- 500 grams Fresh tuna fillets
- 5 Banana leaves
- 5 cloves Shallots
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 3 Red chili peppers
- 3 Candlenuts
- 3 cm piece Fresh turmeric
- 1 stalk Lemongrass
- 3 Kaffir lime leaves
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
- 10 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 2 stalks Spring onions
- 2 Tomatoes
- 1 Lime
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the tuna fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut into portions of about 3x3 inches.
Step 2
Prepare the banana leaves by washing them and cutting them into squares approximately 10x10 inches. Briefly heat the leaves over an open flame to make them flexible.
Step 3
In a food processor, blend shallots, garlic, red chili peppers, candlenuts, turmeric, and lemongrass until you have a smooth paste.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice paste with salt, sugar, and coconut oil. Mix thoroughly.
Step 5
Add the tuna fillets into the bowl and gently coat them with the spice mixture.
Step 6
Place one portion of spiced tuna in the center of each banana leaf square. Top with a couple of basil leaves, a slice of tomato, a few slices of spring onion, and half a kaffir lime leaf.
Step 7
Fold the banana leaf over the fish to create a parcel and secure it with toothpicks or small bamboo sticks.
Step 8
Fill a large pot or steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Place the parcels in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not touching the water.
Step 9
Cover with a lid and steam the parcels for about 30 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
Step 10
Once cooked, carefully remove the parcels from the steamer. Before serving, squeeze a little lime juice over the top for added flavor.
Step 11
Serve the Pepes Tongkol hot, still in its banana leaf wrapping, for an authentic presentation.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1851.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1897.9 |
| Total Fat 98.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 37.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g | |
| Cholesterol 250mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2680.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 97.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 23.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 33.8g | |
| Protein 165.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 1000IU | 0% |
| Calcium 406.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 28.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 4541.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories