Maboké (Central African Fish Grilled in Leaves)
In short: River fish rubbed with an onion, garlic, ginger and chili paste, wrapped in leaves with tomato and cooked until tender and fragrant. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 220 kcal
Maboké is fish wrapped in leaves and cooked over a fire, a method shared across Central Africa and a favorite in the Central African Republic. The fish is rubbed with a paste of onion, garlic, ginger and chili, wrapped in banana leaves with tomato and onion slices and cooked until the packet steams in its own juices. Opening the parcel releases a smell of smoke and ginger. Serve it with cassava, plantain or rice.
Instructions
- Blend the onion, garlic, ginger, chilies, parsley, lime juice, oil, salt and pepper into a coarse paste.
- Cut 3 slashes into each side of the fish. Rub the paste all over the fish and into the slashes and belly. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- If using banana leaves, pass them over a flame or dip them in boiling water for a few seconds until pliable. Lay two leaves crosswise for each fish.
- Put a few tomato slices and onion rings on each leaf, lay the fish on top and add more tomato and onion. Fold the leaves over the fish and tie with kitchen string, or wrap tightly in foil.
- Grill over medium coals for 18 to 20 minutes per side, or bake at 200°C (400°F) for 35 to 40 minutes, until the fish reaches 63°C (145°F).
- Open the parcels carefully, because the steam is hot. Serve in the leaves with cassava, plantain or rice.
Tips
- Banana leaves are sold frozen at Asian and Latin grocers. If you use foil, double it and leave a little air space around the fish so it steams.
- Catfish, perch or sea bream work well. For thick steaks, add 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time.
Questions and answers
What does maboké taste like?
Smoky, sweet and herby, with the heat of ginger and chili. The fish stays moist and tender from steaming in its packet.
Can I cook maboké in the oven?
Yes. Bake the wrapped fish at 200°C (400°F) for 35 to 40 minutes on a baking sheet.
Is maboké spicy?
It can be. Use one chili for medium heat, remove the seeds for mild, or add more for a fiery dish.
How long does it take to make Maboké (Central African Fish Grilled in Leaves)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Maboké (Central African Fish Grilled in Leaves)?
About 220 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 220 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
