East Timor Ikan Pepes (Fish in Curry Sauce)

Step 1

Score the fish several times and marinate it with salt and lime rubbed into the surface.

Step 2

Grind all of the curry ingredients in a processor till they are smooth (about 2 minutes)

Step 3

Rinse the banana leaves and place about 1/3 of the curry in the bottom of the sheet of banana leaf.

Step 4

Rub about 1/3 of the curry into the belly of the fish.

Step 5

Ladle the remaining 1/3 of the curry over the fish and seal up the “packet”.

Step 6

Use soaked string as necessary to seal the packet.

Step 7

Steam for 20 minutes in a bamboo steamer

Step 8

I would highly recommend using a fish grill plate as the fish will be tender and fall apart easily

Step 9

Grill for an additional 6 minutes

Step 10

Unwrap the packet and serve over rice with chopped basil.