Nut-Free Pepes Tongkol (Indonesian Spiced Tuna Steamed in Banana Leaves)

Delight your taste buds with Nut-Free Pepes Tongkol, an authentic Indonesian dish featuring tender tuna fillets infused with a vibrant blend of aromatic spices and herbs. This recipe swaps the traditional nuts for a nut-free twist, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions. Wrapped in fragrant banana leaves, the tuna is steamed to perfection, locking in moisture and enhancing the rich flavors of turmeric, galangal, kaffir lime, and lemongrass. The subtle heat of red chilies pairs beautifully with juicy tomatoes and scallions, creating a delicate harmony of spice and freshness. Not only is this dish packed with bold, exotic flavors, but it also delivers a healthy, protein-rich meal that’s naturally gluten-free. Serve this Pepes Tongkol warm for an unforgettable experience that transports you straight to the heart of Indonesia's culinary traditions. Perfect for family dinners or an impressive addition to your next dinner party spread!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Tuna fillets
• 5 sheets Banana leaves
• 5 whole Shallots
• 3 whole Garlic cloves
• 3 whole Red chillies
• 1 inch Galangal
• 1 inch Turmeric
• 1 stalk Lemongrass
• 3 leaves Kaffir lime leaves
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 whole Lime
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 3 whole Scallions
• 2 medium Tomatoes

Directions

Step 1

Begin by soaking the banana leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes to make them pliable. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.

Step 2

Cut the tuna into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 3

Prepare the spice paste by blending the shallots, garlic, red chillies, galangal, turmeric, and 2 kaffir lime leaves until smooth.

Step 4

In a mixing bowl, combine the spice paste with salt, sugar, and the juice of the lime. Add the tuna pieces and mix well, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the spice mixture.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the spice-coated tuna for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 6

Chop the scallions and tomatoes, then gently fold them into the pan with the tuna for an additional 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 7

Cut each banana leaf sheet into a size approximately 10x12 inches. Place a portion of the tuna mixture onto the center of each banana leaf sheet.

Step 8

Top each portion with a strip of lemongrass and a piece of the remaining kaffir lime leaf for extra flavor.

Step 9

Fold the banana leaves to form a packet and secure each with toothpicks.

Step 10

Steam the banana leaf packets over boiling water for 15 minutes, ensuring they are sealed with the open side facing up.

Step 11

Once cooked, remove the pepes from the steamer and allow a couple of minutes to cool slightly.

Step 12

Serve the nut-free Pepes Tongkol warm, directly in their banana leaf wrapping to preserve moisture and aroma.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1637.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1449.2

Total Fat 59.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.0g
Cholesterol 250mg	0%
Sodium 2655.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.1g	0%
Total Sugars 25.1g
Protein 159.0g	0%

Vitamin D 1135IU	0%
Calcium 255.0mg	0%
Iron 17.1mg	0%
Potassium 3507.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.5%

Protein: 43.5%

Carbs: 20.0%