🍟 Side Dishes

Pepes Tahu Kemangi

Pepes Tahu Kemangi is a classic Indonesian home‑cooked dish, where seasoned tofu and fresh basil are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to lock in all the aromatic flavours. This fully vegan version keeps the authentic soft texture, rich spice blend, and wonderful herbal fragrance — without eggs, meat, or dairy. The banana leaves add a subtle earthy sweetness, while the basil and spices create a bright, savoury, and deeply satisfying taste. It is healthy, light, and perfect served with warm rice and sambal.

Shared by hana

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Time

50 min

Serves

Difficulty

easy

🛒 Ingredients

500g firm white tofu, drained well
2 large bunches fresh basil leaves (kemangi), stems removed
8–10 pieces banana leaves, briefly passed over heat to soften
#Ground Spices;
6 shallots,, 4 garlic cloves,, 3 red chillies (adjust for heat)
2 bird’s eye chillies (optional)
2 candlenuts (or 1 tbsp cashew nuts)
1 tsp fresh turmeric or ½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp galangal, grated
½ tsp coriander powder
#Seasoning;
1 tsp salt,, 1 tsp coconut sugar or palm sugar
½ tsp ground white pepper,, 2 tbsp neutral oil
Optional: 2 small tomatoes, diced; sliced lemongrass for extra aroma

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1
Prep the tofu: Place tofu in a bowl, mash gently with a fork — keep some texture, do not turn it into a paste.
2
Make the spice paste: Blend or grind all the ground spices until smooth. Heat oil briefly, sauté the paste for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and cooked through.
3
Mix: Add the cooked spice paste, salt, sugar, pepper, diced tomatoes (if using), and most of the basil leaves to the mashed tofu. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4
Wrap: Lay a softened banana leaf flat. Place about 2–3 tablespoons of the mixture in the centre, top with a few extra basil leaves. Fold the sides and ends over neatly to make a tight parcel, secure with a small toothpick or strip of leaf if needed. Repeat until all mixture is used.
5
Steam: Arrange the parcels in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 25–30 minutes to let all the flavours infuse together.
6
Serve: You can serve them straight from the steamer, or briefly grill/char the parcels over a flame for extra smoky aroma. Unwrap and enjoy warm with rice and sambal.