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

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Indonesia with this Soy-Free Pepes Tongkol, a stunning dish of tender tuna fillets marinated in an aromatic spice paste and steamed to perfection within fragrant banana leaf parcels. Packed with exotic ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and fresh basil, this recipe delivers bold, authentic flavors without the use of soy. The process of steaming the tuna in banana leaves not only infuses the fish with a luscious, earthy aroma but also keeps it moist and succulent. Finished with a rich touch of coconut cream and balanced with a hint of palm sugar, this dish is a healthy, gluten-free option that's perfect for serving alongside a bowl of steamed rice. Embrace traditional Indonesian cooking techniques and bring this easy yet sophisticated dish to your table—it’s a feast for both the palate and the senses!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams fresh tuna fillets
• 4 pieces banana leaves
• 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped
• 3 pieces red chili peppers, deseeded and chopped
• 6 pieces shallots, finely sliced
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 3 slices galangal, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 3 pieces kaffir lime leaves, shredded
• 100 milliliters coconut cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon palm sugar
• 20 pieces basil leaves
• 8 pieces toothpicks or kitchen twine

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the tuna fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into large bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

Prepare the banana leaves by gently passing each leaf over an open flame or hot pan to make them pliable. Cut them into medium-sized rectangles, around 30 cm long.

Step 3

In a mixing bowl, combine lemongrass, red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, galangal, turmeric powder, kaffir lime leaves, coconut cream, salt, and palm sugar to form a paste.

Step 4

Add the tuna pieces into the spice paste, ensuring they are evenly coated with the mixture.

Step 5

Divide the marinated tuna equally into the prepared banana leaves. Add 5 basil leaves on top of the tuna in each parcel.

Step 6

Fold the banana leaves over to enclose the tuna completely, creating parcels, and secure the ends with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine.

Step 7

Place the tuna parcels in a steamer and steam over medium heat for about 25 minutes, or until the tuna is cooked and the spices are fragrant.

Step 8

Carefully remove the parcels from the steamer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 9

Serve the Pepes Tongkol warm in their banana leaf parcels alongside rice and other accompaniments of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1369.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1300.4

Total Fat 22.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 250mg	0%
Sodium 2682.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 122.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.8g	0%
Total Sugars 69.8g
Protein 154.4g	0%

Vitamin D 1000IU	0%
Calcium 238.2mg	0%
Iron 19.6mg	0%
Potassium 3698.3mg	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: 15.4%

Protein: 47.1%

Carbs: 37.5%