mok pa

Laos · Southeast Asia

Short description: This steamed fish packet uses banana leaves to hold herbs and seasoning close to the fish as it cooks.
Ingredients: Fish steamed in banana leaves with lemongrass, dill, shallot, chile, makrut lime leaf, fermented fish sauce, and sticky rice powder.
Cultural note: The leaf packet keeps the fish moist while aromatics perfume the filling and help it hold together.
Common misconception: It is not a dry grilled fish dish; the fish is steamed inside its wrapper.

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