Savory Fish Cakes (Otak-Otak)

Otak-Otak is a traditional dish from Palembang, Indonesia, made with savory fish cakes mixed with various spices and grilled in banana leaves. It is a popular street food and can also be served as a main dish with rice.

Savory Fish Cakes (Otak-Otak)

Ingredients

  • 500g white fish fillets, finely chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
  • 3 red chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 200ml coconut milk
  • Banana leaves for wrapping

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the chopped fish, eggs, kaffir lime leaves, red chilies, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt.
  2. Add the coconut milk to the mixture and stir until well combined.
  3. Cut the banana leaves into 8x8 inch squares and place a spoonful of the fish mixture in the center of each square.
  4. Wrap the banana leaves around the fish mixture to form small parcels.
  5. Grill the wrapped fish cakes over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the banana leaves are charred and the fish cakes are cooked through.
  6. Remove from the grill and serve hot with steamed rice.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
20 minutes
Total time:
50 minutes
Cooking method
Grilling

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
200 per serving
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Grill Tongs

Tools

Knife Cutting board Bowl

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestion: Otak-Otak can be served with a side of sambal (spicy chili paste) and cucumber slices.

Tips & tricks

Tip: Soak the banana leaves in warm water for a few minutes before wrapping the fish cakes to make them more pliable.

Cost

$10