Grilled Snapper in Banana Leaf: Pepes Ikan Kakap

Name: Grilled Snapper in Banana Leaf: Pepes Ikan Kakap
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds snapper filets; Salt and pepper; 1 Bali lemon, or two regular limes; Betutu spice, recipe follows; Banana leaves, or tin foil; 3 salam leaves, or substitute bay leaves; 2 sliced green tomatoes; 2 kaffir lime leaves; 1/4 sweet basil leaves; Tamarind water, to soften, or substitute with the juice of 2 lemons; 1/2 cup peeled shallots; 1/4 cup peeled garlic; 2 tablespoons fresh turmeric; 2 tablespoons fresh peeled ginger; 2 tablespoons galangal; 3 pieces lemongrass; 2 tablespoons fresh hot chili peppers seeded and cleaned; 2 tablespoons palm sugar chopped; 4 tablespoons shrimp paste; 1/4 cup coconut oil, for frying

Servings: persons

2 pounds snapper filets
Salt and pepper
1 Bali lemon, or two regular limes
Betutu spice, recipe follows
Banana leaves, or tin foil
3 salam leaves, or substitute bay leaves
2 sliced green tomatoes
2 kaffir lime leaves
1/4 sweet basil leaves
Tamarind water, to soften, or substitute with the juice of 2 lemons
1/2 cup peeled shallots
1/4 cup peeled garlic
2 tablespoons fresh turmeric
2 tablespoons fresh peeled ginger
2 tablespoons galangal
3 pieces lemongrass
2 tablespoons fresh hot chili peppers seeded and cleaned
2 tablespoons palm sugar chopped
4 tablespoons shrimp paste
1/4 cup coconut oil, for frying

1
In a bowl season the fish with salt, pepper, lime juice, and betutu paste.
2
On a sheet tray, lay down the banana leaf.
3
Place a salam leaf on the banana leaf.
4
Place the fish on the middle of the banana leaf over the salam leaf.
5
Place sliced green tomatoes, lime leaf, sweet basil, and tamarind water on the fish.
6
Season with salt and pepper.
7
Wrap the fish folding both ends together and secure with a bamboo skewer.
8
Grill until cooked, approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the fillets.
9
Grind shallots, garlic, tumeric, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, chili peppers, palm sugar, and shrimp paste in a food processor.
10
Saute paste with coconut oil.

282

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 20 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 pounds snapper filets, Salt and pepper, 1 Bali lemon, or two regular limes, Betutu spice, recipe follows, and more.

Yes, Grilled Snapper in Banana Leaf: Pepes Ikan Kakap falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!