Snapper in banana leaf packets is a traditional dish from Southeast Asia that is both flavorful and visually appealing. The delicate taste of the snapper is perfectly complemented by the aromatic banana leaves, which impart a subtle sweetness and earthiness to the dish. The banana leaves also help to keep the fish moist and tender, resulting in a succulent and flaky texture. This dish is often served with a spicy dipping sauce, which adds an extra layer of flavor and complexity. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
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BANANA-LEAF-WRAPPED SNAPPER
This delicious snapper recipe is courtesy of chef Michelle Bernstein.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Seafood Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat a grill pan over medium heat.
- Place oil, tamarind pulp, nuoc nam, garlic, shallots, chile, turmeric, shrimp paste, lemongrass, sugar, ginger, and salt in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until a smooth paste is formed.
- Place banana leaves on the grill for about 2 seconds to make them more pliable. Using tongs, transfer them to a work surface. Trim tops and bottoms of each leave and place a fish fillet in the center of each leaf. Evenly divide the oil mixture between each fillet and spread over fish in an even layer.
- Working with one fish at a time, fold one side of the leaf over the fish, then the other, then fold in ends. Repeat process until all fillets are wrapped. Wrap banana-leaf-wrapped fish in aluminum foil.
- Place foil-wrapped fish on grill and grill, turning once, until a metal skewer or sharp, thin-bladed knife inserted into the center of the fish comes out hot, 5 to 6 minutes per side.
- Carefully unwrap fish from foil and place each banana-leaf-wrapped fillet on a plate; serve immediately with lime wedges.
RED SNAPPER GRILLED IN BANANA LEAVES
Banana leaves are perfect for wrapping a whole fish and insulating all of the aromatic flavors of this dish during grilling. A quick green sauce loaded with herbs, ginger and fresh green chilies provides a cool and spicy kick for the meaty grilled fish.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Make the sauce: Combine the cilantro, mint, chiles, ginger, scallion, coconut, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt in a blender and pulse to make a coarse paste. Add the coconut milk, lime juice, vegetable oil and fish sauce and blend to make a smooth, slightly thick sauce. Season with salt. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Make the fish: Preheat a grill to medium high. Lay the banana leaves on a work surface, overlapping each about halfway, so the leaves are large enough to wrap around the fish, with the tail and head sticking out slightly. Lightly brush the banana leaves with vegetable oil. Cut three 24-inch pieces of kitchen twine and run under water to moisten (this will prevent the twine from burning on the grill).
- Make 2 or 3 slits crosswise on each side of the fish, cutting about 1/2 inch into the flesh. Season the fish inside and out with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt total. Stuff the lime and ginger slices, chiles, and cilantro and mint sprigs into the cavity of the fish. Set the fish at one short end of the banana leaves and roll it up, leaving the head and tail sticking out, then tie together in 3 places with the kitchen twine.
- Once the grill registers 425˚ F to 450˚ F, grill the fish until the banana leaves are charred, about 12 minutes. Flip and grill until the fish is cooked through, 12 to 14 more minutes. (Because the fish is wrapped, it is difficult to test for doneness. The juices will run clear from the head and gills when poked.) Let the fish rest 5 minutes, then untie and remove the banana leaves. Lift the flesh from the bones and serve with the cilantro-mint sauce.
GRILLED SNAPPER IN BANANA LEAF: PEPES IKAN KAKAP
Steps:
- Tamarind water, to soften, or substitute with the juice of 2 lemons
- In a bowl season the fish with salt, pepper, lime juice, and betutu paste.
- On a sheet tray, lay down the banana leaf. Place a salam leaf on the banana leaf. Place the fish on the middle of the banana leaf over the salam leaf. Place sliced green tomatoes, lime leaf, sweet basil, and tamarind water on the fish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap the fish folding both ends together and secure with a bamboo skewer. Grill until cooked, approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Grind shallots, garlic, tumeric, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, chili peppers, palm sugar, and shrimp paste in a food processor. Saute paste with coconut oil.
RED SNAPPER STEAMED IN BANANA LEAVES
I found this recipe in a Hispanic magazine dealing with Caribbean Seafood. The actual name of the recipe is Pargo Rojo Al Vapor en Hojas de Platano. Pargo is a fish very similar to the Atlantic Red Snapper. Banana leaves can be found frozen at most Asian markets. Caldo Maggie can be found in many grocery stores, but certainly in a Hispanic market or you can substitute soy sauce. The bananas impart a unique flavor to anything that's cooked in them. Enjoy!
Provided by Jostlori
Categories Caribbean
Time 40m
Yield 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Place a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. If desired, add herbs to the boiling water to add flavor to the dish (basil, thyme, oregano, lemon peel, etc).
- In a small bowl, combine the ginger, soy sauce, garlic and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Rinse the fish filet then pat dry. Cut into three portions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place a piece of snapper in the center of a banana leaf. Top with one third of the cherry tomatoes and 3 clams. Drizzle a third of the marinade over the fish. Fold the banana leaves around the fish to form a packet, then tie with twine to hold it together. Repeat with the remaining fish pieces.
- Place the packets into the steamer basket. Cover the steamer and steam for 15 minutes.
- Serve with rice or sweet potato mash (the white kind).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 230.3, Fat 3, SaturatedFat 0.6, Cholesterol 79.1, Sodium 250.7, Carbohydrate 4.5, Fiber 1, Sugar 1.4, Protein 44.3
ASIAN STYLE SNAPPER/BREAM IN BANANA LEAVES
You can make this with snapper or bream and it works equally as well, I have made with both, last night I made it with bream. Banana leaves a great way to cook fish especially if cooking the fish on the BBQ, I cooked it in the oven last night. I served this with Asian style vegetables and I cooked 2 fish,of about 750g a piece to serve 4 or if your fish are smaller you can cook 4 individual fillets. Cooking times are based on my oven temperature, not a BBQ and you will have to adjust if doing them on the BBQ, mine gets very hot and cooks about 5-10 Min's quicker on the BBQ, if cooking on the BBQ, cook with a covered BBQ, using indirect heat.
Provided by The Flying Chef
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Using tongs dip each banana leaf one by one into boiling water, remove immediately, rinse under cold water, dry thoroughly, leaves should be soft and pliable.
- Cut each fish 3 times, place each fish on a leaf, top each fish with lemon grass and garlic.
- Combine garlic, juice, sauces and oil, drizzle a little sauce over each fish reserving about 3-4 tablespoons for the vegeatbles.
- Fold leaves over fish and secure with kitchen string. Place parcels in a pre-heated oven of 180 degress celsius and cook for 25-30 min's or until cooked through.
- Alternativley which I love banana leaves for, cook on the BBQ, covered, using indirect heat for about 20-25 Min's. (I find it takes me 30 Min's in my oven and about 20 Min's on the BBQ, but I do have an extremely hot BBQ, I do not know how 4 smaller fish fillets affects the time as I have only cooked 2 larger fish.).
- The banana leaves will get quite crispy and may even burn in places, they will stay quite moist underneath as the juices run from fish and sauce. For presentation purposes I keep 2 banana leaves to use as the base to serve fish on after.
- Vegetables.
- Heat olive oil in a wok or large pan, add garlic and ginger and stir fry until fragrant.
- Add pepper, carrot and sesame oil, stir fry 2-3 Minutes, add both cabbages, peas, sprouts and reserved sauce. Stir fry until vegetables are just tender serve immediately with fish.
- Extra sauce.
- Just an optional extra if you prefer to have a little more sauce to drizzle over fish once served.
- Combine the 3 ingredients in a small microwave safe bowl and microwave 30-45 seconds to just warm through.
- To Serve: I place a banana leaf on a serving platter top with whole fish, I pour remaining juice and sauce from the bananan leaf fish was cooked in over fish, and arrange the vegetables around the fish, garnish with sliced onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 119.6, Fat 6, SaturatedFat 0.9, Sodium 533.1, Carbohydrate 14.6, Fiber 4.3, Sugar 7.6, Protein 4.8
Tips for Cooking Snapper in Banana Leaf Packets:
- Choose the right snapper: Opt for fresh, wild-caught snapper fillets or steaks. Look for firm, opaque flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Prep the banana leaves: If using fresh banana leaves, wash and dry them thoroughly. If using frozen leaves, thaw them at room temperature before use.
- Season the snapper: Before wrapping, season the snapper with salt, pepper, and any desired spices or herbs. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Assemble the packets: Place a banana leaf on a flat surface. In the center, place a fillet or steak of snapper. Top with your desired fillings, such as vegetables, herbs, and aromatics. Fold the banana leaf over the filling, starting from the sides and working your way inward. Secure the packet with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Cooking methods: You can cook the banana leaf packets in various ways. Grilling, steaming, or baking are popular options. Adjust the cooking time based on the chosen method and the thickness of the snapper fillets or steaks.
Conclusion:
Enclosed in banana leaf packets, snapper retains its delicate flavor and moisture while absorbing the aromatic flavors of the fillings. This cooking technique imparts a unique and authentic taste that reflects diverse culinary traditions. Whether you prefer grilling, steaming, or baking, experimenting with different fillings and cooking methods will allow you to create a delectable and visually appealing dish that showcases the versatility of snapper. So, embark on this culinary journey and savor the vibrant flavors of snapper cooked in banana leaf packets.
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