Malaysian Otak-Otak
This traditional Malaysian grilled fish cake features a fragrant blend of spices, herbs, and coconut milk mixed with fish. It's steamed or grilled in banana leaf parcels, offering a delightful aroma and spicy, savory flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 50 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 249 kcal
Allergen information: may contain crustaceans and fish. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 300 gmackerel fillet, skinless, boneless, minced
- 60 mlcoconut milk, thick
- 1 tbsptapioca flour
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspsugar
- 4 pcsbanana leaf, cut into 15x15cm squares
spice paste
- 3 pcsshallot, roughly chopped
- 3 pcsred chili, deseeded, roughly chopped
- 2 clovegarlic clove, peeled
- 10 gginger, peeled, roughly chopped
- 15 glemongrass, white part only, sliced
- 0.5 tspturmeric powder
- 5 ggalangal, peeled, roughly chopped
- 0.5 tspshrimp paste
Equipment
food processor · grill · steamer · mixing bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the spice paste by blending the shallots, red chilies, garlic cloves, ginger, lemongrass, turmeric powder, galangal, and shrimp paste in a food processor until smooth. Add a splash of water if needed to help it blend.
About 5 min
- 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced mackerel fillet with the prepared spice paste, coconut milk, tapioca flour, salt, and sugar.
About 3 min
- 3
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and form a thick paste. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Marinating allows the flavors to meld together.
- 4
Briefly wilt the banana leaf pieces over a low flame or by dipping them in hot water; this makes them pliable and easier to fold without tearing.
About 2 min
- 5
Place a spoonful of the fish mixture onto the center of each banana leaf square.
About 3 min
- 6
Fold the banana leaf into a neat parcel, securing the ends with toothpicks.
About 5 min
- 7
Preheat a grill or prepare a steamer. If grilling, cook the parcels over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the fish is cooked through and the banana leaves are slightly charred.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: If steaming, steam for 10-12 minutes until firm.
- 8
Serve the Otak-Otak hot, directly from the banana leaf parcels.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 248.6kcal
- Protein
- 11.8g
- Carbs
- 15.4g
- Fat
- 16.3g
- Fibre
- 1.5g
- Sugar
- 2.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover Otak-Otak in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a microwave or by grilling/steaming until warmed through.
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