Fish amok
Asian 10 Mins Prep · 20 Mins Cook
- To make the kroeung paste, crush and roughly chop the lemongrass. Peel and roughly chop the galangal or ginger, turmeric and shallot. Peel and crush the garlic. Using a pestle and mortar or a small blender, grind the lemongrass, lime leaves and galangal until they release their oils and form a rough paste. Add the garlic, shallot, turmeric and ¼ tsp salt, blending thoroughly after each addition until a thick, smooth paste forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of water. Transfer to a sterilised jar with a teaspoon of oil on top to prevent it from drying. This can be kept for up to 5 days.
- Soak the chillies in boiling water until softened. Remove from the water and finely chop into a paste. Chop the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the kroeung with the crushed chillies, fish fillets, fish sauce, shrimp paste, palm sugar, 100ml of coconut cream, eggs and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir gently if you prefer chunky pieces of fish or mix vigorously for a smoother texture. Test the seasoning by cooking a small spoonful in a pan or microwaving it. Adjust with more salt, sugar, fish sauce, or chilli as needed.
- Divide the fish mixture among four 125ml ramekins, coconut shells, or banana leaf baskets, filling almost to the top. Place in a steamer over a pot of boiling water for 15 minutes. Five minutes before finishing, drizzle the remaining coconut cream over the top and steam until firm.
- Finely slice the extra lime leaf and julienne the chilli. Scatter over the fish amok.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice. If serving family-style, place the fish amok at the centre of the table for guests to share.
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