Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/17 checked
2
servings
2 unit

banana leaves

large

750 g

bream

whole

1.5 tsp

ginger

grated

12 stalk

lemongrass

sliced thinly

2 unit

garlic

crushed

1 tbsp

lime juice

fresh

2 tbsp

soy sauce

light

60 ml

sweet chili sauce

1 tsp

sesame oil

1 tbsp

olive oil

1 unit

red pepper

sliced thinly

1 unit

carrot

cut into sticks

150 g

asian cabbage

80 g

snow peas

80 g

red cabbage

200 g

bean sprouts

4 unit

green onions

sliced thinly

Step 1
~4 min

Prepare banana leaves by dipping them in boiling water, rinsing with cold water, and drying.

Step 2
~4 min

Cut the fish several times to help with even cooking and flavor infusion.

Step 3
~4 min

Place each fish on a banana leaf and top with sliced lemongrass and crushed garlic.

Step 4
~4 min

Prepare the sauce by combining garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and sesame oil.

Step 5
~4 min

Drizzle some sauce over each fish, reserving the rest for the vegetables.

Step 6
~4 min

Fold the banana leaves over the fish to create sealed parcels and secure with kitchen string.

Step 7
~4 min

Cook the parcels in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

Step 8
~4 min

Alternatively, cook on a covered BBQ using indirect heat for 20-25 minutes.

Step 9
~4 min

While the fish is cooking, prepare the vegetables.

Step 10
~4 min

Heat olive oil in a wok or large pan, add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant.

Step 11
~4 min

Add sliced red pepper, carrot sticks, and sesame oil, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.

Step 12
~4 min

Add Asian cabbage, snow peas, red cabbage, bean sprouts, and the reserved sauce.

Step 13
~4 min

Stir-fry until the vegetables are just tender.

Step 14
~4 min

For extra sauce, combine sweet chili sauce, light soy sauce, and lime juice in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Step 15
~4 min

To serve, place a banana leaf on a serving platter, top with the whole fish, and pour the remaining juice and sauce from the banana leaf over the fish.

Step 16
~4 min

Arrange the stir-fried vegetables around the fish and garnish with sliced green onions.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Make sure to thoroughly dry the banana leaves after rinsing to prevent excess moisture.

Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to your preference.

Garnish with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Not Ideal
Make Ahead

The sauce can be made ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed rice or quinoa.

Pair with a side salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Steamed Rice
Quinoa
Asian Salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Southeast Asia

Cultural Significance

Banana leaf cooking is common in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Dinner Party
Weeknight Meal

Popularity Score

70/100

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