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Prepared otak-otak ready to serve

Otak-Otak

Otak-otak is a Malaysian grilled fish paste wrapped in banana leaves and cooked until fragrant and lightly charred. The mixture blends fish, coconut milk and spices into a soft aromatic filling.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Malaysian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
 

  • 14 ounces (400g) white fish fillet
  • ½ cup (120ml) coconut milk
  • 1 egg
For the Spice Paste
  • 3 shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 red chilies
  • 1 stalk lemongrass
Optional Garnishes
  • sliced cucumber
  • lime wedges
  • fresh herbs

Method
 

Blend the Fish Paste
  1. Blend fish, coconut milk, egg and spice paste until smooth. The mixture should be thick and spreadable.
Prepare Banana Leaves
  1. Cut banana leaves into rectangles.
  2. Lightly toast them over heat to make them flexible.
Wrap Parcels
  1. Spread several tablespoons of fish paste onto each leaf and fold into small parcels.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Grill the parcels over medium heat until the fish mixture sets and the leaves become lightly charred.
  2. Serve hot.

Notes

A food processor helps blend the fish paste smoothly.