Indonesian Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf
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Indonesian Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf
Recipe by Tasia Seger
Serves 4
Equipment:
Grill Pan
Food processor for spice paste/ or mortar and pestle
Ingredients
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chicken stock powder
Salt and white pepper to season
1 tablespoons caster sugar
Banana Leaf
4 pcs Bamboo sticks/ skewers or 4 pcs toothpicks
1 pcs lime fruit
2x 200- 250grams barramundi fillets skin on
½ cup Thai basil, to garnish
½ cup Coriander leaves to garnish
1 Cucumber, ribbon
Olive oil, drizzle for salad
Spice Paste
100grams grams large red chili
15 grams bird eye chilli (optional)
60 grams shallots
30 grams garlic
16.5 grams ginger
16.5 grams galangal
5 grams turmeric fresh
Spices
4pcs kaffir lime leaves
2 grams bay leaves
METHOD
Blitz the spice paste in a small food processor until smooth. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan, then add the spice paste along with the aromatics. Stir-fry until fragrant. Add the sugar, salt, white pepper and chicken stock powder. Continue to cook, stirring regularly, for about 10 minutes or until the paste is cooked through and the oil begins to separate. Allow the paste to cool completely before using.
To Wrap the fish: Wipe and clean banana leaves before using. Pat fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread a generous layer of the cooled spice paste over both sides of the fish. Place each fillet in the centre of a banana leaf. Fold tightly into a parcel (like wrapping a present). Secure with bamboo skewers or with toothpicks.
To cook the fish: Heat grill pan over high heat. Place banana leaf parcels on the grill, brush with vegetable oil and cook for 6- 8 minutes per side. The leaves will char on the outside, and the fish inside should steam and stay tender.
To make cucumber herb salad, place coriander leaves, Thai basil, and cucumber ribbon in a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and squeeze half a lime juice. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
To serve, open the parcel and serve with a steamed rice, lime wedges and fresh cucumber herb salad.
