Want more deliciousness? Follow me on X @TeresasRecipes for the latest culinary creations and kitchen adventures!

Otah - Grilled Fish Cake in Banana Leaves

Name: Otah - Grilled Fish Cake in Banana Leaves
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: {'ingredient': 'Banana leaves', 'amount': '10, cut into 5-inch squares'}; {'ingredient': 'Salt', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Lime leaves', 'amount': '2, finely chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Turmeric powder', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Garlic cloves', 'amount': '4, peeled'}; {'ingredient': 'Shallots', 'amount': '2, peeled'}; {'ingredient': 'Galangal', 'amount': '1 inch piece, peeled and sliced'}; {'ingredient': 'Lemongrass stalks', 'amount': '2, white part only, chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Red chili peppers', 'amount': '2'}; {'ingredient': 'Coconut milk', 'amount': '1/2 cup'}; {'ingredient': 'Mackerel fillets', 'amount': '2, deboned and roughly chopped'}

Otah, a cherished gem from the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, is an exquisite dish that marries the vibrant flavors of fresh fish and aromatic spices. This delicacy is meticulously crafted with a rich blend of mackerel fillets, coconut milk, and a symphony of spices, enveloped in a banana leaf's verdant embrace. Once grilled, the Otah unveils a smoky, savory, and slightly spicy fish cake, making it a perfect appetizer or a delightful addition to your plate of steamed rice.

Servings: 10

Ingredients

Banana leaves: 10, cut into 5-inch squares
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Lime leaves: 2, finely chopped
Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
Garlic cloves: 4, peeled
Shallots: 2, peeled
Galangal: 1 inch piece, peeled and sliced
Lemongrass stalks: 2, white part only, chopped
Red chili peppers: 2
Coconut milk: 1/2 cup
Mackerel fillets: 2, deboned and roughly chopped

Instructions

In a blender, add mackerel fillets, coconut milk, red chili peppers, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, garlic, turmeric powder, lime leaves, and salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
Transfer the paste into a bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Take a spoonful of the marinated otah paste and place it in the center of each banana leaf square. Fold the leaves to form a parcel, securing them with toothpicks if needed.
Grill the otah parcels on each side for approximately 10 minutes, or until the banana leaves char and the otah is fully cooked. The aroma of grilled banana leaves and the sizzling sound will signal that your otah is ready.
Serve hot as a tantalizing appetizer or alongside steamed rice for a hearty main dish. Enjoy the burst of Southeast Asian flavors in every bite!

Dietary Information

Servings: 10 • Dish Type: Appetizer • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 20 minutes • Marinating Time: 1 hour • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes • Calories: 100 • Fat: 7g • Carbs: 3g • Protein: 6g • Sodium: 240mg • Sugar: 1g