Steamed Catfish In Banana Leaves

Serves: 3

Terry Wiza

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

37

Spice

52

Sweetness

58

Sourness

39

mins

Prep time (avg)

5.9

Difficulty

Ingredients:

3 tbsps

Vegetable Oil

Directions:

1

Unfold banana leaves

2

Cut off and reserve tough center rib that runs along bottom edge of each leaf with kitchen shears

3

Cut ribs into 12-inch strips (you'll need 8) for tying packets

4

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)

5

Gently wash banana leaf squares in a large pan of water, then pat dry

6

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

7

Add stock and fish sauce and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring

8

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

9

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

10

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

11

Tie packet with a strip of banana leaf rib and transfer to heatproof plate

12

Assemble 7 more packets in same manner, arranging in 1 layer on plate

13

Bring 1 inch water to a boil in wok fitted with steamer rack

14

Transfer plate with packets to steamer rack carefully and steam, covered with lid, 5 minutes

15

Serve packets warm or at room temperature

16

Unfold banana leaves

17

Cut off and reserve tough center rib that runs along bottom edge of each leaf with kitchen shears

18

Cut ribs into 12-inch strips (you'll need 8) for tying packets

19

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)

20

Gently wash banana leaf squares in a large pan of water, then pat dry

21

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

22

Add stock and fish sauce and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring

23

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

24

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

25

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

26

Tie packet with a strip of banana leaf rib and transfer to heatproof plate

27

Assemble 7 more packets in same manner, arranging in 1 layer on plate

28

Bring 1 inch water to a boil in wok fitted with steamer rack

29

Transfer plate with packets to steamer rack carefully and steam, covered with lid, 5 minutes

30

Serve packets warm or at room temperature