Description
A delightful blend of mackerel and aromatic spices wrapped in banana leaves, perfect for steaming.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g Mackerel Fillet
- 150 ml Thick Coconut Milk
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 tbsp Cornflour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 Kaffir Lime Leaf
- 4 Dried Red Chillies
- 2 Fresh Red Chillies
- 4 Shallots
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 stalks Lemongrass
- 2 cm Galangal
- 1 cm Fresh Turmeric or Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Belacan
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 10 pieces Banana Leaves
Instructions
- Blend the soaked dried chillies, fresh chillies, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, belacan, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Sauté this aromatic mixture in a pan for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Pulse the mackerel fillet into a coarse paste.
- In a bowl, combine the fish paste with your sautéed spice mixture, thick coconut milk, egg, cornflour, salt, sugar, and finely sliced kaffir lime leaf. Mix until well incorporated.
- To soften the banana leaves, hold them over a flame or soak them in hot water.
- Scoop about 2 heaped tablespoons of the fish custard mixture onto each banana leaf piece and fold into neat parcels.
- Steam the banana leaf parcels for 15–20 minutes or until firm.
- Consider grilling the parcels for an additional 1–2 minutes for a smoky finish.
- Open the parcels at the dining table to release the steam. Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute any firm white fish for different flavors.
- Opt for light coconut milk if you’re looking to reduce calories.
- Consider an egg replacer for a vegan option.
- Arrowroot powder works for a gluten-free version.
- Sea salt is a great choice for depth.
- Can be left out sugar if you prefer a purely savory profile.
- Fresh kaffir lime leaf offers a unique and zesty aroma; fresh is best.
- Soaked dried red chillies should be adjusted according to your spice preference.
- Can be omitted fresh red chillies for a milder take.
- Use fresh ginger if galangal isn’t available.
- Toasted fermented shrimp paste can be swapped in miso for vegetarian.
- Banana leaves enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 parcels
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg