How to prepare exotic Fish Smoked in Banana Leaf dish

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Fish Smoked in Banana Leaf is a traditional dish from the northeastern state of Assam in India. As the name suggests, it involves marinating fish with a blend of spices and then wrapping it in banana leaves to be cooked over an open flame or in a pan until tender and smoky.

The banana leaves not only impart a unique flavor to the fish but also help to keep the fish moist during cooking. The marinade typically includes a mix of spices such as turmeric, red chili powder, ginger paste, and garlic paste, which add heat and flavor to the dish.

This dish is a popular way of cooking fish in Assam and is often served as a main course alongside steamed rice and a side of chutney. It is a healthy and flavorful way to prepare fish, which is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Here’s a recipe for Fish Smoked in Banana Leaf, a traditional dish from Assam:

smoked fish in banana leaf

Fish Smoked in Banana Leaf

Fish Smoked in Banana Leaf is a traditional dish from the northeastern state of Assam in India. As the name suggests, it involves marinating fish with a blend of spices and then wrapping it in banana leaves to be cooked over an open flame or in a pan until tender and smoky.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 10-20 Tooth Picks
  • 1 Large Skillet / Tawa

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces of fish any firm white fish works, like tilapia, cod, or halibut
  • 2 tablespoons mustard oil
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • Salt to taste
  • 4-5 fresh banana leaves

Instructions
 

  • Clean and wash the fish pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • In a small bowl, mix together mustard oil, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ginger paste, garlic paste, and salt.
  • Apply this mixture to the fish pieces and marinate for 30 minutes.
  • While the fish is marinating, prepare the banana leaves. Rinse them under cold water and wipe them dry with a cloth. Cut them into square pieces of equal size.
  • Take each fish piece and wrap it with a banana leaf. Use a toothpick or string to secure the ends of the banana leaf.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet or a tawa over medium heat. Place the wrapped fish pieces on the skillet.
  • Cook the fish for 10-12 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and the banana leaf is slightly charred.
  • Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the skillet and carefully unwrap the banana leaf. The fish should be smoky and tender.
  • Serve the Fish Smoked in Banana Leaf hot with steamed rice and your favorite chutney. Enjoy!

Notes

If you don’t have banana leaves, you can also use aluminum foil or parchment paper to wrap the fish.
Keyword smoked fish

Here is an approximate breakdown of the key nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in a serving of Fish Smoked in Banana Leaf:

  • Calories: 200-250
  • Protein: 25-30 grams
  • Fat: 5-10 grams (depending on the type of fish used)
  • Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
  • Fiber: 2-3 grams
  • Vitamin B12: 50-100% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Selenium: 50-70% of the DV
  • Niacin: 20-30% of the DV
  • Phosphorus: 15-20% of the DV
  • Vitamin D: 10-15% of the DV
  • Potassium: 10-15% of the DV
  • Magnesium: 5-10% of the DV

Please note that the exact nutritional value of the dish can vary depending on the type and amount of fish used, as well as the specific ingredients in the marinade. Additionally, the nutrient content of the dish can be impacted by the cooking method and portion size. If you have specific dietary requirements or concerns, it’s best to consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized advice.