September 10, 2020
This tasty twist on a classic is a fabulously satisfying, spicy, crispy, and tender fish dish. Instead of searing the fish you can wrap the fish in banana leaves and grill for 10-15 minutes (flip once midway) or bake fish in the oven at 400 F for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Top Tip:
Flipping the fish: This can be a tricky business because the coating needs to stick onto the fish along while searing it. If you ruin it (don't stress) just pat it back onto the fish it will still taste superb.
4 fillets of white fish of choice like sea perch or mahi-mahi fillet
Spice Paste
2 lemongrass sticks (white parts only)
2 bunches cilantro / coriander (Wash well before using)
6 fresh red chillies (deseed half for moderately spicy or deseed more for mild)
6 fresh green chillies (deseed half for moderately spicy or deseed more for mild)
2 tsp salt - may need more salt or fish sauce
banana leaves (large enough to cover the pan)
melted plant based Nuttelex to drizzle over the Banana leaves
Garnish
Dipping Sauce
1Place all the ingredients for the spice paste in a blender (except the Tamarind pulp) and blend until smooth. If too thick add a small amount of water to allow for a smooth paste.
2Melt the plant based Nuttelex in a frying pan over medium heat cook the spice paste for 10 minutes.
3Add 2 tablespoons water midway when the spice paste becomes too dry. Add the tamarind pulp and water, salt and sugar. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4Allow to cool down completely before using. Once cooled coat fish and marinate fish for 1 - 2 hours. Overnight is best.
5Heat a wide pan over medium high heat. Place a few layers of banana leaves on the pan. Drizzle some melted plant based Nuttelex coconut oil on the leaves. Once the pan is hot, sear the fish (along with the marinade) for 2-3 minutes. Use one hand to lift the edge of the banana leaf and the other hand holding a spatula supporting the fish so it doesn't slide down. Flip the fish by lifting and flipping the banana leaf (this is so the underside coating of the paste and the searing of the fish is untouched. Drizzle some more plant based Nuttelex and sear the second side for another 2-3 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish Again, use the banana leaf to lift and flip the fish onto the spatula. Place the fish on a plate.
6Garnish and serve immediately with dipping sauce and steamed rice.