Lemongrass Coconut Fish Parcels 🐟🌿🥥🍃
Ingredients 🛒
4 white fish fillets (like cod, snapper, or halibut) 🐟
2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped 🌿
1 can (400ml) coconut milk 🥥
2 tablespoons fish sauce 🧂
1 tablespoon soy sauce 🍶
1 tablespoon lime juice 🍈
1 teaspoon sugar 🍬
1 small red chili, thinly sliced 🌶️ (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated 🌱
2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
A handful of fresh cilantro or basil leaves 🌿
4 sheets of parchment paper or banana leaves 🍃
Salt & pepper to taste 🧂🧄
Lime wedges for serving 🍋
Instructions 👩🍳👨🍳
1. Prepare the Marinade 🥣
In a bowl, combine the coconut milk 🥥, fish sauce 🧂, soy sauce 🍶, lime juice 🍈, sugar 🍬, ginger 🌱, garlic 🧄, lemongrass 🌿, and sliced chili 🌶️.
Whisk gently until the mixture is fragrant and smooth 🌸.
2. Marinate the Fish 🐟
Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish.
Pour about half of the coconut marinade over the fillets 🥥🐟.
Let it marinate for 20–30 minutes in the fridge ❄️ (so the flavors soak in!).
3. Assemble the Parcels ✨
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) 🔥.
Place each fish fillet in the center of a piece of parchment paper or banana leaf 🍃.
Spoon a little extra marinade over the top 🥥.
Add a few fresh cilantro or basil leaves 🌿.
Fold the paper or leaves over the fish and seal tightly, folding the edges like wrapping a present 🎁.
4. Bake the Parcels 🍽️
Arrange the parcels on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until the fish is tender and flakes easily with a fork 🍴.
(If using banana leaves, they'll lightly toast and smell AMAZING 🌿🔥).
5. Serve and Enjoy 🌸✨
Place each parcel onto a plate. Let everyone unwrap their own at the table for a little "surprise" moment 🎁🍽️!
Serve with steamed jasmine rice 🍚 and extra lime wedges 🍋 on the side.
Tips and Tricks 💡
Make it spicier: Add more chilies or a drizzle of chili oil 🌶️🔥.
No lemongrass? Use a little lime zest 🍈 for a fresh twist.
Grill option: These parcels can also be grilled over medium heat for a smoky aroma 🔥🍃!
Bonus: Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes 🥥✨ on top before serving for extra texture!