Teresa's Recipes
Otah - Grilled Fish Cake in Banana Leaves
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.
Ingredients
- 10, cut into 5-inch squares Banana leaves
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2, finely chopped Lime leaves
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 4, peeled Garlic cloves
- 2, peeled Shallots
- 1 inch piece, peeled and sliced Galangal
- 2, white part only, chopped Lemongrass stalks
- 2 Red chili peppers
- 1/2 cup Coconut milk
- 2, deboned and roughly chopped Mackerel fillets
Dietary Notes
- 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
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!
Tips
- You can adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preference for heat.
- If banana leaves are not available, you can use aluminum foil as a substitute.