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.

Shrouk Gamal
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I made this dish for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor of the banana leaves.


Lankeshwara Kavinda
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. The fish is so tender and flavorful, and the sauce is to die for.


Yubraj positive vibes
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I'm not a big fan of banana leaves, but I loved the flavor they added to this dish. The fish was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious.


Jason Gravley
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This dish is a great way to impress your guests. It's easy to make, but it looks and tastes like a million bucks.


Jared smart
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I've never tried steaming fish in banana leaves before, but I'm so glad I did! The fish was so tender and flavorful.


Tanjim Sheuli
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover catfish. It's also a great way to get your kids to eat fish.


Sharry Liaqat
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I love the way the banana leaves steam the fish. It keeps it so moist and flaky.


Arslan mughal Arslan mughal
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This dish is perfect for a summer party. It's light and refreshing, and the banana leaves add a tropical touch.


R cikeblacke clifordarwford
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I'm always looking for new ways to cook catfish, and this recipe is a winner! The banana leaves add a really unique flavor that I love.


Md Shakil islam
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I'm new to cooking fish, but this recipe was easy to follow and the results were amazing! The fish was cooked perfectly and the flavors were incredible.


dark angel
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I made this dish for a dinner party and everyone raved about it! It's definitely a showstopper.


Mashooq Rind
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. The fish is so tender and flavorful, and the sauce is to die for.


Mohsin HassanAli
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I'm not a huge fan of fish, but I loved this dish! The banana leaves really helped to mellow out the flavor of the fish.


Nihad Nihad
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This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and the results are always delicious.


TIJANI HAMMED
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The banana leaves add such a unique flavor to this dish. I love the way they steam the fish and keep it moist and flaky.


ging gingot
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I've made this dish several times now and it's always a hit! The flavors are so well-balanced and the fish is always cooked perfectly. Thanks for sharing this recipe!


Haniya Malik
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This steamed catfish in banana leaves is an absolute delight! The fish is cooked to perfection, flaky and tender, while the banana leaves impart a delicate, earthy flavor that complements the fish beautifully. A must-try for any seafood lover!