Lemon Basil Fish in Banana Leaf
Lemon Basil Fish is a Thai inspired dish, wherein the fish is smeared with an aromatic paste made primarily with basil laves and lemon juice. The fish is then wrapped and cooked in banana leaves.
Any type of fish can be used in this recipe; however, being summer season, my favorite is Basa as it doesn't feel heavy on the palette. Also, I prefer going with fillets, you can use any cut of your choice. Now, lets get started with the recipe.
Lemon Basil Fish in Banana Leaf |
INGREDIENTS
- Fish fillets (cut into around 3 inch slices)
- Lemon juice - 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp
- Fresh coriander with roots - 1/8 cup or about 2 tbsp
- Thai Basil leaves - 1/4 cup + few extra
- Garlic cloves - 12 to 15
- Green chilis - 2
- Ginger - 2 inch
- Sugar - a pinch
- Salt - to taste
- Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
- Cooking Oil (should not have a strong flavor) - 1 tsbp
- Banana leaves - as required
Lemon Basil Fish in Banana Leaf |
Lemon Basil Fish in Banana Leaf |
METHOD
- Wash and clean the fish fillets nicely. Cut into around 3 inch slices. Pat them dry completely using a kitchen towel.
- Marinate them with some salt, turmeric powder and a tbsp of lemon juice. Keep aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, blend coriander roots/ leaves, basil leaves, garlic, ginger, green chilies and sugar along with 2 tbsp of lemon juice to a coarse paste. Keep aside. If you can get some lime leaves, add 2 to 3 of them too to this paste.
- Prepare banana leaves for wrapping. Gently wash and pat dry the leaves. Banana leaves need to be wilted to be able to be folded. Run the leaves over a very low flame for just about 2 to 3 seconds. This will make them soft and pliable.
- Now to wrap the fish, place about a tbsp of prepared paste in the center of the leaf. Place a piece of fish over this paste. Cover the fish again with some paste. Grate some lemon zest over it and place a thin roundel of lemon on top. Now fold the banana leaf from all sides making it look like a parcel. Tie the parcel using a thread so that it doesn't open while cooking. Repeat the same with all fillets.
- In a pan, heat some oil on medium heat. Place the fish parcels and cover with lid. Cook the parcel for about 8 to 10 minutes on one side. Flip them and again cook for about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve garnished with some finely chopped spring onion greens. You can sprinkle some more lemon juice on top.
Lemon Basil Fish in Banana Leaf |
PIN HERE FOR LATER...
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks for stopping by. Your comments, suggestions and feedback are always welcome.
Regards