Otak-Otak (Spiced Fish Cake)

Step 1

Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Roughly chop fish fillets into 2-inch chunks.

Step 3

Blanch banana leaf pieces over a gas flame for 5 seconds until pliable.

Step 4

Pulse fish chunks in a food processor until coarsely ground, 10–15 seconds.

Step 5

Transfer ground fish to a bowl.

Step 6

Add curry paste, grated coconut, shallots, cilantro, and lime juice.

Step 7

Crack egg into the bowl.

Step 8

Mix with your hands until the mixture just comes together, about 1 minute.

Step 9

Divide mixture into 12 equal portions.

Step 10

Place one portion onto the center of each banana leaf piece.

Step 11

Fold banana leaf edges up and over the mixture to create a sealed packet.

Step 12

Preheat charcoal grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 13

Place packets seam-side down on the grill.

Step 14

Grill for 4 minutes until banana leaves char lightly.

Step 15

Flip packets carefully with tongs.

Step 16

Grill for another 3–4 minutes until the second side chars and fish is cooked.

Step 17

Transfer to a serving platter and cool for 1 minute before serving.