Looking for a dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? Steamed fish is a fantastic option, and when you wrap it in banana leaves, it infuses the fish with an incredible aroma and keeps it incredibly moist. Let’s dive into making this fragrant and delicious Steamed Fish with Banana Leaf right in your kitchen!
STEAMED FISH WITH BANANA LEAF
INGREDIENTS
FISH
- 1 whole fish (like snapper, sea bass, or tilapia, about 1-1.5 lbs), scaled and gutted, or 2-3 fish fillets (about 6-8 oz)
MARINADE
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
AROMATICS & WRAPPING
- 1 large banana leaf, or enough to wrap the fish (fresh or frozen, if frozen thaw completely)
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and roughly chopped
- 4-5 kaffir lime leaves, roughly torn
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional, for extra aroma and visual appeal)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
EQUIPMENT
- Steamer (bamboo steamer, pot with steamer basket, or electric steamer)
- Large plate or dish that fits inside your steamer
- Knife
- Chopping board
INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARING THE FISH
- 1. If using a whole fish, ensure it is scaled and gutted. Rinse the fish thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. If using fillets, pat them dry.
- 2. Make shallow diagonal slits on both sides of the whole fish (or on one side of the fillets). This helps the marinade penetrate and the fish cook evenly.
MAKING THE MARINADE
- 3. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped chili (if using), lime juice, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil. Mix well to ensure the sugar is dissolved.
- 4. Rub the marinade all over the fish, making sure to get it into the slits. For fillets, coat both sides evenly.
- 5. Marinate the fish for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
PREPARING THE BANANA LEAF & AROMATICS
- 6. Prepare the banana leaf: If using fresh banana leaf, briefly wilt it over an open flame or in a hot, dry pan for a few seconds on each side until it becomes pliable and easier to fold without tearing. If using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and pliable.
- 7. Slice the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves roughly. Thinly slice the shallot, red onion, and chili (if using).
- 8. Heat vegetable oil in a small pan or wok over medium heat. Add sliced shallots, red onion, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili (if using). Sauté until fragrant and the onions are softened, about 2-3 minutes. This aromatic mixture will infuse the fish with wonderful flavors.
ASSEMBLING AND STEAMING
- 9. Place a piece of banana leaf on a plate or dish that will fit inside your steamer. Make sure the leaf is large enough to wrap the fish. You might need to use multiple pieces, overlapping them to create a secure wrap.
- 10. Spoon half of the sautéed aromatics onto the banana leaf-lined plate.
- 11. Place the marinated fish on top of the aromatics.
- 12. Spoon the remaining sautéed aromatics over the fish.
- 13. Carefully wrap the fish in the banana leaf, folding the edges to create a sealed packet. If necessary, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the wrapping.
- 14. Bring water to a boil in your steamer. Place the plate with the banana leaf-wrapped fish into the steamer.
- 15. Steam for 12-15 minutes for fish fillets, or 15-20 minutes for a whole fish, depending on the thickness of the fish and the power of your steamer. The fish is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook.
SERVING
- 16. Carefully remove the steamed fish from the steamer. Be cautious as steam will be released when you unwrap it.
- 17. Gently unwrap the banana leaf packet. Garnish with fresh cilantro or coriander leaves if desired.
- 18. Serve the Steamed Fish with Banana Leaf hot, directly from the banana leaf for an authentic presentation. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce, like a simple chili-lime sauce or extra soy sauce.
Enjoy this delightful and aromatic Steamed Fish with Banana Leaf! It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Feel free to adjust the aromatics and chili to your liking and explore different types of fish for varied flavors. Happy steaming!
