From South SumatraCakes & Snacks

Pempek Kapal Selam (Egg-Filled Fish Cake)

Pempek Kapal Selam

A large fish cake with a whole egg inside, served with cuko, a sour, sweet and spicy palm sugar sauce. The icon of Palembang.

Time
1 hr 30 min
Serves
8 people
Origin
South Sumatra
Type
Cakes & Snacks
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Ingredients

Tap an ingredient once it is ready to tick it off.

Cuko

To serve

How to Make

  1. Make the cuko: grind the garlic and chillies, boil with water, palm sugar, tamarind and salt. Strain and cool.

  2. Mix the fish, ice water, salt and stock powder.

  3. Add the tapioca flour gradually, folding gently until it can be shaped. Do not over-knead.

  4. Take a fist-sized ball, make a well and crack an egg into it. Seal the edges.

  5. Boil in water with a little oil until it floats, about 15 minutes.

  6. Fry until the skin is golden, slice and serve with cuko, noodles and cucumber.

Kitchen tip

Over-kneaded dough turns hard. Mix only until the flour is combined.

Questions

Where does Pempek Kapal Selam (Egg-Filled Fish Cake) come from?

Pempek Kapal Selam is a traditional dish from South Sumatra (capital: Palembang), in the Sumatra region of Indonesia.

How long does Pempek Kapal Selam (Egg-Filled Fish Cake) take to make?

It takes about 1 hr 30 min in total to make 8 servings, including preparation.

What is the secret to a good Pempek Kapal Selam (Egg-Filled Fish Cake)?

Over-kneaded dough turns hard. Mix only until the flour is combined.

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