Mok Pa (Lao Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf)
Local name: ໝົກປາ
In short: Chunks of fish mixed with dill, lemongrass, galangal, chili and toasted rice powder, wrapped in banana leaf parcels and steamed. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 35 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 180 kcal
Mok pa is a Lao dish of fish seasoned with a paste of lemongrass, galangal, shallot, garlic and chili, mixed with plenty of dill and spring onion, and wrapped in banana leaf to steam. Toasted sticky rice powder binds the mixture and gives it a soft, almost custard-like texture. The parcels can be steamed or grilled over charcoal, which adds a smoky note. Serve with sticky rice and raw vegetables.
Instructions
- Pound the shallots, garlic, lemongrass, galangal and chilies in a mortar, or blend them, into a coarse paste.
- Mix the fish with the paste, rice powder, fish sauce and salt, folding gently so the fish pieces stay mostly whole.
- Fold in the lime leaves, dill and spring onions.
- Soften the banana leaves by passing them briefly over a flame or dipping them in hot water until pliable.
- Spoon a quarter of the fish mixture into the center of each leaf. Fold the sides over, then fold the ends under and secure with a toothpick, making a neat parcel.
- Steam the parcels over boiling water for 20 to 25 minutes, until the fish is opaque, firm and reaches 63°C (145°F) in the center.
- Open the parcels at the table and serve hot with sticky rice and raw vegetables.
Tips
- Banana leaves are sold frozen at Asian and Latin grocery stores. Parchment paper wrapped in foil is a workable substitute, though it lacks the leaf aroma.
- For a smoky version, grill the parcels over medium charcoal or in a ridged grill pan for 8 minutes per side instead of steaming.
Questions and answers
Can I use salmon for mok pa?
Yes. Salmon gives a richer parcel. Cut it into similar pieces and steam for the same time, until it reaches 63°C (145°F).
How spicy is mok pa?
It is moderately hot. Use 2 chilies for a milder dish, or serve it with a Lao chili dip on the side.
Can I make mok pa ahead of time?
Assemble the parcels up to 4 hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. Steam them just before serving, adding 3 to 5 minutes.
How long does it take to make Mok Pa (Lao Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf)?
About 1 h in total: 35 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mok Pa (Lao Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf)?
About 180 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 180 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
