Ikan Bakar (pandanus Leaf-wrapped Grilled Fish)

Ikan Bakar is a traditional Christmas Island dish featuring grilled fish wrapped in fragrant pandanus leaves. This dish is bursting with flavors and is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Ikan Bakar (pandanus Leaf-wrapped Grilled Fish)

Ingredients

  • 4 whole fish, cleaned and gutted
  • 12 pandanus leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 red chilies, sliced
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Make 3 diagonal cuts on each side of the fish.
  3. Stuff the fish cavity with garlic, chilies, and lemongrass.
  4. Wrap each fish with 3 pandanus leaves, securing them with toothpicks.
  5. In a small bowl, mix tamarind paste with salt and a little water to make a paste.
  6. Brush the fish with the tamarind paste mixture.
  7. Grill the fish for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
  8. Remove the pandanus leaves before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
15 minutes
Total time:
35 minutes
Cooking method
Grilling

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Protein
30g
Fat
12g
Carbohydrates
5g

Supplies

Grill Brush Small bowl Toothpicks

Tools

Knife Cutting board

Serving suggestions

Serve the Ikan Bakar with steamed rice and a side of sambal for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a smoky flavor, grill the fish over charcoal instead of a gas grill.

Cost

$20