Fish in banana leaf with baby vegetables

Fish in banana leaf with baby vegetables

Traditional technique that preserves the natural juices of the fish and the aroma of the banana leaf.

Type: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Latina

Keywords: Fish in banana leaf|traditional technique|healthy food|steamed fish|baby vegetables|Latin recipe

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 320 kcal

Preparation Time: 20M

Cooking Time: 40M

Total Time: 60M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg whole fish
• 6 banana leaves
• 3 cloves garlic
• Cilantro
• Sour orange
• Baby carrots
• Baby green beans
• Paprika

Recipe Instructions:

Prepare mojo:

Blend garlic, cilantro, and orange juice to make a marinating paste.

Soften leaves:

Quickly pass the leaves over the fire so they don't break when folding.

Assemble package:

Coat the fish with mojo, add herbs, wrap in leaves, and tie.

Roast fish:

Cook the package on the grill or pan 20 min per side.

Cook vegetables:

Sauté the baby vegetables in oil with salt until tender.

Editor's Rating:
4.9

Recipe for Fish in banana leaf with baby vegetables

This recipe combines the freshness of fish white with the unique aroma of the banana leaf. Adding baby vegetables steamed, achieves a nutritious and light dish, ideal for those looking for a healthy cooking with authentic flavors of Latin gastronomy.

Preparation time

To organize your time well in the kitchen, I indicate below the times for this recipe:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 60 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the fish and marinade

• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup of sour orange juice or its substitute
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of additional oil for seasoning
• 1 whole 1.5 kg fish, descaled and gutted (red snapper or sea bass)
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of dried oregano leaves
• 2 packed cups of leaves of fresh mint
• 1 packed cup of fresh epazote leaves
• 6 stemless banana leaves

For the baby vegetables

• 1 cup of baby carrots
• 1 cup of baby zucchini
• 1 cup of baby green beans
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

If you cannot find sour orange juice, it can be substituted with a mixture of sweet orange juice with a little lemon juice to achieve acidity. If you don't have fresh banana leaves, you can use aluminum foil but the characteristic aroma will be lost.

Utensils we will use

• Grill or roaster
• Molcajete or blender
• Knife and cutting board
• Skillet for sautéing vegetables
• Measuring spoons and ingredients
• Tie or string to close the banana leaf

Preparation

1. Prepare the mojo for marinating

1. Wash and peel the garlic. Peel the garlic cloves and wash the cilantro under running water.
2. Grind the ingredients. In a molcajete, mash the garlic with cilantro leaves, sour orange juice, olive oil, and salt until a paste with small pieces forms. Alternatively, use a blender but without completely pulverizing to maintain texture.

2. Prepare the fish

1. Clean the fish. Make sure it is free of scales and entrails and rinse it well.
2. Season. Season the fish with salt and pepper on both sides and spread with 2 teaspoons of oil.

3. Prepare and assemble with banana leaf

1. Wash and dry leaves. Wash the banana leaves to remove any dirt and dry them with paper towel.
2. Overlap leaves. Place the leaves on a surface, overlapping them to form a wide package that covers the entire fish.
3. Place the fish. Place the fish in the center and bathe with the prepared mojo, spreading evenly on both sides.
4. Add fresh herbs. Cover with dried oregano, mint, and epazote, creating a layer that adds aroma.
5. Wrap. Carefully fold the banana leaves and tie them so that it is well sealed and steam does not escape during cooking.

4. Cook the fish

1. Heat grill. Preheat to medium-high heat to maintain a constant temperature.
2. Grill the fish. Place the package on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes on one side. Carefully flip and continue for another 15-20 minutes until the fish is firm and well cooked. Cooking time may vary depending on your grill's heat.

5. Prepare the baby vegetables

1. Wash vegetables. Wash the carrots, baby zucchini, and baby green beans and cut them slightly if they are too large.
2. Sauté. In a pan with olive oil, sauté the vegetables over medium heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until tender but crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes.

To finish and serve

Carefully open the banana leaves to release the aroma. Check that the fish flakes easily with a fork, a sign that it is perfectly cooked. Serve accompanied by warm baby vegetables to maintain freshness. You can add a light rice to complete the dish. Enjoy a traditional meal with authentic flavors and a healthy touch.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Proteins: 30 g
• Fats: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g

These values are approximate and correspond to a serving that includes fish and baby vegetables.

5 keys for perfect fish in banana leaf

Successfully preparing this dish requires attention to certain key details that influence flavor and texture.

1. Choose fresh fish. Use firm, fresh-fleshed fish like red snapper or sea bass; this choice enhances flavor and prevents it from falling apart.
2. Properly prepare the leaves. Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly to prevent them from breaking when folded; if they are too dry, pass them over direct heat for an instant to soften them.
3. Control the cooking. Cook over medium-high heat, ensuring the fish steams inside the package without burning the leaf.
4. Use fresh and aromatic herbs. Dried oregano, mint, and epazote provide traditional aromas and flavors, always being careful with the quantity to avoid overpowering.
5. Sauté the vegetables just before serving. They maintain texture and color, and also provide freshness that complements the dish.

When is it ideal to enjoy this traditional fish dish in banana leaf?

This dish is an excellent option for family gatherings or dates where you want to share a light but flavorful meal. It is ideal in warm seasons, as its steamed base and fresh vegetables provide lightness. Furthermore, the presentation in a banana leaf impresses and adds a traditional touch of Latin cuisine, perfect for celebrating special occasions without complications. It also adapts very well for Sunday meals that seek a balance between health and pleasure.

Comparative table of fish in banana leaf with similar recipes

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. Have you already tried this recipe for fish in banana leaf with baby vegetables? Tell us how it turned out, what variations you applied, or what you served it with. Your comments enrich this community and help others to be encouraged to prepare this light and traditional meal.