STEAMED CATFISH IN BANANA LEAVES

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Steamed Catfish in Banana Leaves image

Categories     Wok     Fish     Steam     Gourmet

Yield Makes 8 servings (as part of larger meal)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb banana leaves, thawed if frozen (see cooks' note, below)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
3 tablespoons Thai chicken stock or canned chicken broth
2 tablespoons nam pla (Asian fish sauce; preferably Thai)
1 1/2 lb catfish fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 1/2 tablespoons toasted rice powder
3 (4-inch-long) fresh or frozen Kaffir lime leaves (sometimes called bai makroot), very thinly sliced
Special Equipment
a large (6-qt) wok with lid; a heatproof plate (just small enough to fit inside steamer rack); a large steamer rack

Steps:

  • Unfold banana leaves. Cut off and reserve tough center rib that runs along bottom edge of each leaf with kitchen shears. Cut ribs into 12-inch strips (you'll need 8) for tying packets. Gently cut leaves into 8 (10-inch) squares with shears, being careful not to split them (you may want to cut a few extra in case some split while folding). Gently wash banana leaf squares in a large pan of water, then pat dry.
  • Heat oil in wok over moderate heat until warm, about 30 seconds, then cook curry paste, stirring constantly, until very fragrant and a shade darker, 1 to 2 minutes. Add stock and fish sauce and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring. Add fish and rice powder and stir-fry until outside of fish just turns white, 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer mixture to a bowl.
  • Put a banana leaf square on a work surface, then put 1/3 cup fish curry in center of square and sprinkle with some of sliced Kaffir lime leaves. Fold 2 sides of banana leaf over fish to enclose it (be careful not to split leaf), then fold in opposite sides to form a packet. Tie packet with a strip of banana leaf rib and transfer to heatproof plate. Assemble 7 more packets in same manner, arranging in 1 layer on plate.
  • Bring 1 inch water to a boil in wok fitted with steamer rack. Transfer plate with packets to steamer rack carefully and steam, covered with lid, 5 minutes. Serve packets warm or at room temperature.

Md nayem Ahmed
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This is my new favorite way to cook fish. The banana leaves add a delicious flavor and the fish is always cooked perfectly. I've made this dish several times and it's always a hit.


Md Ridoy
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I'm not a big fan of fish, but I really enjoyed this dish. The catfish was mild and flaky, and the banana leaves added a subtle sweetness. I would definitely make this again.


Sheikh Saddam
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This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and the fish is always cooked perfectly. I love the way the banana leaves steam the fish, keeping it moist and juicy.


Md.RAYHAN sarker
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I made this dish for a dinner party and it was a huge hit! The fish was flaky and flavorful, and the banana leaves gave it a beautiful presentation. I will definitely be making this again.


James Laufer
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This recipe is a keeper! The fish was flaky and flavorful, and the banana leaves added a unique flavor. I served it with jasmine rice and a side of vegetables, and it was a delicious and healthy meal.


Rada das
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I'm always looking for new ways to cook fish, and this steamed catfish in banana leaves recipe caught my eye. I'm so glad I tried it! The fish was cooked perfectly, and the banana leaves added a lovely flavor. I will definitely be making this dish ag


Sibusiso Motshabi
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This dish is so easy to make, yet it's so impressive. I love the way the banana leaves impart a subtle, earthy flavor to the fish. I served it with a side of jasmine rice and vegetables, and it was a delicious and healthy meal.


rafia shaikh
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I love the way the banana leaves steam the fish, keeping it moist and juicy. The aromatics, especially the ginger and lemongrass, add a refreshing burst of flavor. I will definitely be making this dish again.


Susma Chantyal
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This recipe is a great way to impress your guests. The fish is cooked to perfection and the banana leaves add a beautiful presentation. I served it with a side of jasmine rice and vegetables, and it was a delicious and elegant meal.


Omor Tambir
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This is my new favorite way to cook fish. The banana leaves add a delicious flavor and the fish is always cooked perfectly. I've made this dish several times and it's always a hit.


P1NKLAVZ
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I'm not a big fan of fish, but I really enjoyed this dish. The catfish was mild and flaky, and the banana leaves added a subtle sweetness. I would definitely make this again.


Omar Farook
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This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and the fish is always cooked perfectly. I love the way the banana leaves steam the fish, keeping it moist and juicy.


thura ko
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I made this dish for a dinner party and it was a huge hit! The fish was flaky and flavorful, and the banana leaves gave it a beautiful presentation. I will definitely be making this again.


Matlhebo Moyo
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This recipe is a keeper! The fish was cooked to perfection and the banana leaves added a unique flavor. I served it with jasmine rice and a side of vegetables, and it was a delicious and healthy meal.


Tahidul Islam
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I'm always looking for new ways to cook fish, and this steamed catfish in banana leaves recipe caught my eye. I'm so glad I tried it! The fish was cooked perfectly, and the banana leaves added a lovely flavor. I will definitely be making this dish ag


shanezia
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This dish is so easy to make, yet it's so impressive. I love the way the banana leaves steam the fish, keeping it moist and succulent. The flavors of the aromatics and the banana leaves really shine through. I served this dish with jasmine rice and a


oni israel
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I was skeptical about cooking fish in banana leaves, but I'm so glad I tried it. The fish turned out so moist and flavorful, and the banana leaves gave it a unique and delicious taste. I'll definitely be making this again.


Muhammad Anwar
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This steamed catfish in banana leaves dish was an absolute delight! The fish was cooked to perfection, flaky and tender, and the banana leaves imparted a subtle, earthy flavor that complemented the fish beautifully. The aromatics, especially the ging