Steamed Catfish in Banana Leaves

Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Low Fod Map
Health score
6%
Steamed Catfish in Banana Leaves
45 min.
8
155kcal

Suggestions


Experience a burst of flavors with our Steamed Catfish in Banana Leaves, a delightful dish that encapsulates the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine! This gluten-free, dairy-free, and low FODMAP recipe is not only healthy but also a feast for the senses. The tender catfish fillets are infused with fragrant Thai red curry, making each bite a tantalizing adventure.

Wrapped in the natural aroma of banana leaves, these fish packets create a steaming process that retains moisture and flavor, resulting in a beautifully succulent dish. The addition of Kaffir lime leaves adds a zesty brightness that elevates the entire experience, making it a perfect centerpiece for lunch or dinner gatherings. With a quick preparation time of just 45 minutes, you can easily impress your family and friends with this exotic dish that showcases both culinary skills and a love for fresh ingredients.

Whether you're looking for a nutritious weeknight meal or a standout option for your next dinner party, this Steamed Catfish in Banana Leaves is sure to please. Moreover, it allows you to embrace a unique cooking method that harnesses the natural properties of the banana leaves, ensuring that every morsel is packed with flavor. Get ready to indulge in a dish that is not only good for you but also wonderfully satisfying!

Ingredients

  • lb banana leaves frozen thawed (see cooks' note, below)
  • 1.5 lb catfish fillets cut into 1-inch cubes
  • tablespoons chicken broth canned
  • 12 inch kaffir lime leaves fresh very thinly sliced (sometimes called bai makroot)
  • tablespoons nam pla (Asian fish sauce; preferably Thai)
  • 1.5 tablespoons rice powder toasted
  • tablespoons thai curry paste red
  • tablespoons vegetable oil 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • aluminum foil
  • wok
  • kitchen twine

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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Add stock and fish sauce and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Bring 1 inch water to a boil in wok fitted with steamer rack.
  10. Transfer plate with packets to steamer rack carefully and steam, covered with lid, 5 minutes.
  11. Serve packets warm or at room temperature.
  12. • Fish packets can be steamed 30 minutes ahead. • You can substitute 8 large collard leaves for the banana leaves. Trim stems flush with leaves, then put leaves on pieces of foil cut to size. Mound fish curry on leaves, then fold up leaves and wrap packets in foil to catch any juices. Tie packets closed with kitchen string for steaming.

Nutrition Facts

Calories155kcal
Protein42.36%
Fat49.75%
Carbs7.89%

Properties

Glycemic Index
0
Glycemic Load
0
Inflammation Score
-5
Nutrition Score
10.23565231458%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:155.21kcal
7.76%
Fat:8.39g
12.91%
Saturated Fat:1.63g
10.21%
Carbohydrates:2.99g
1%
Net Carbohydrates:2.85g
1.04%
Sugar:0.43g
0.48%
Cholesterol:52.1mg
17.37%
Sodium:416.62mg
18.11%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:16.08g
32.16%
Vitamin D:10.64µg
70.91%
Vitamin B12:1.97µg
32.89%
Phosphorus:186.55mg
18.66%
Selenium:12.15µg
17.35%
Vitamin A:643.5IU
12.87%
Vitamin B1:0.18mg
11.94%
Potassium:325.92mg
9.31%
Vitamin B3:1.86mg
9.29%
Vitamin K:9.51µg
9.05%
Magnesium:28.49mg
7.12%
Vitamin B5:0.66mg
6.56%
Vitamin B6:0.13mg
6.35%
Vitamin B2:0.07mg
4.08%
Zinc:0.58mg
3.88%
Vitamin E:0.43mg
2.9%
Folate:10.91µg
2.73%
Iron:0.46mg
2.56%
Calcium:19.87mg
1.99%
Copper:0.03mg
1.7%
Manganese:0.03mg
1.59%
Vitamin C:0.93mg
1.13%
Source:Epicurious