Xeth_
Tasty Apprentice
Hey, foodies! Today, let's embark on a culinary journey through Thailand with Haw Mok Pla, a traditional Thai dish bursting with rich and aromatic flavors. Also known as Thai Fish Custard, this dish features a delicate blend of fish, curry paste, coconut milk, and fragrant herbs, steamed to perfection in banana leaves. Let's dive into this exquisite recipe together!
Ingredients:
For the Fish Custard:
- 500g white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2-3 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
- 1 egg
- Fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped (optional)
- Banana leaves or aluminum foil, for wrapping
For Garnish:
- Red chili slices, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish Custard Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves. Mix until well combined.
- Add the egg and whisk until smooth.
- Prepare the Fish:
- Fold in the bite-sized fish fillet pieces and chopped Thai basil leaves (if using) into the curry-coconut mixture. Ensure the fish is evenly coated.
- Assemble and Steam:
- Cut banana leaves (or aluminum foil) into square pieces, about 6-8 inches.
- Spoon the fish custard mixture into the center of each banana leaf square. Fold and secure the edges to create parcels (like envelopes).
- Steam the Haw Mok Pla:
- Arrange the banana leaf parcels in a steamer basket or a large pot with a steamer rack.
- Steam over medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish custard is firm and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Carefully unwrap the banana leaves and transfer the steamed fish custard parcels to serving plates.
- Garnish with red chili slices and fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the custard.
Serving Suggestion:
- Enjoy Haw Mok Pla as a unique and flavorful dish. The creamy texture of the fish custard infused with aromatic herbs and spices will transport you to the culinary delights of Thailand!
This Haw Mok Pla recipe looks like a trip to Thailand in a bowl! 
Love the idea of using banana leaves for steaming ..so authentic! Definitely gotta try this for a taste of Thai flavors at home 
Can't wait to savor those exquisite flavors!
