Liboke ya Mbisi (Congolese Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves)
Local name: Liboke ya mbisi
In short: Whole tilapia rubbed with onion, garlic, tomato and chili, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, then served with pili-pili, rice or chikwangue. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 190 kcal
A liboke is a parcel, and in Kinshasa the word usually means fish wrapped in banana leaves with onion, tomato, garlic and chili, then cooked over embers or in a pot. The leaf keeps the flesh moist and adds a faint, grassy aroma. Diners open the parcels at the table and eat with chikwangue, rice or fried plantains. This version steams whole tilapia in leaves from the freezer aisle, with foil as a backup.
Instructions
- Cut three shallow slashes into each side of the fish. Rub the fish with the lemon juice and salt and leave for 15 minutes.
- Mix the onion, garlic, tomatoes, chili, oil, parsley and pepper into a loose paste.
- Pass each banana leaf over a gas flame or dip it in hot water for a few seconds until soft and shiny, so it will not crack when folded. Wipe dry.
- Lay each fish on a double layer of leaf. Spread the paste into the slashes and inside the belly, and pile the rest on top.
- Fold the leaves over the fish like an envelope and tie with string. If a leaf splits, add a layer of foil around the parcel.
- Steam the parcels in a covered steamer over simmering water for 25 to 30 minutes, or bake them on a tray at 200°C (400°F) for 30 to 35 minutes. The fish is done when the thickest part flakes and reaches 63°C (145°F).
- Open the parcels at the table and serve with chikwangue or rice, boiled plantains and pili-pili.
Tips
- Banana leaves are sold frozen in Asian and African grocery stores. Without them, wrap the fish in parchment paper and then foil, though you will miss the grassy aroma.
- Fish fillets work too. Wrap 250 g (9 oz) portions with the paste and steam for 15 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I use fillets instead of whole fish?
Yes. Use thick white fillets of about 250 g (9 oz) each, spread them with the paste and steam for about 15 minutes, until the flesh turns opaque and flakes.
What do you serve with liboke ya mbisi?
Chikwangue (steamed cassava loaf), rice, boiled plantains or fufu. Pili-pili on the side lets everyone choose their own heat.
Can I prepare the parcels ahead?
Yes. Assemble them up to 8 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated, then steam just before serving.
How long does it take to make Liboke ya Mbisi (Congolese Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves)?
About 55 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Liboke ya Mbisi (Congolese Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves)?
About 190 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 190 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
