Fish Poached in Banana Leaves

Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this aromatic and delicate recipe for Fish Poached in Banana Leaves. Perfectly tender fish fillets like snapper, cod, or tilapia are infused with a flavorful blend of coconut milk, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lime juice, and soy sauce, all wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. The gentle steaming method locks in moisture and enhances the dish’s natural flavors, while the banana leaves add a subtle earthy aroma. This visually stunning dish is ideal for dinner parties or weeknight meals, offering an exotic yet approachable culinary experience. Serve the fish parcels directly in the banana leaves for an authentic presentation alongside fragrant steamed rice or a crisp salad. Enjoy a healthy, gluten-free meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 fillets Fish fillets (such as snapper, cod, or tilapia)
• 4 sheets Banana leaves
• 1 cup Coconut milk
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon Ginger (grated)
• 1 stalk Lemongrass (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
• 1 chili Red chili (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro leaves (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a large steamer or set up a steaming pot with water on medium heat.

Step 2

Rinse the banana leaves and pat them dry. If the leaves are stiff, pass them briefly over an open flame or in hot water to make them pliable.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lime juice, soy sauce, red chili, cilantro, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil.

Step 4

Lay out a banana leaf sheet on a flat surface. Place a fish fillet in the center of the leaf and spoon some of the seasoning mixture over it.

Step 5

Fold the banana leaf around the fillet, creating a neat parcel. Use kitchen twine to secure it if necessary. Repeat with the remaining fillets and banana leaves.

Step 6

Place the banana leaf parcels in the steamer (making sure they do not overlap) and steam for 20–25 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 7

Carefully remove the parcels from the steamer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before unwrapping.

Step 8

Serve the poached fish directly in the banana leaf for presentation, alongside steamed rice or fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1164.2 grams (1164.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	649

Total Fat 15.50g	20%
Saturated Fat 3.10g	16%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.60g
Cholesterol 200mg	67%
Sodium 3220mg	140%
Total Carbohydrate 32.80g	12%
Dietary Fiber 1.20g	4%
Total Sugars 18.90g
Protein 94.70g	189%

Vitamin D 800IU	4000%
Calcium 128mg	10%
Iron 2mg	12%
Potassium 1709mg	36%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.5%

Protein: 58.3%

Carbs: 20.2%