Malay Otak-Otak is a traditional Malaysian dish that is popular in Southeast Asia. It is a savory fish cake wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection. The word “otak-otak” means “brain” in Malay, and it is named so because of the soft and creamy texture of the fish cake. The dish is usually made with mackerel or other types of fish, mixed with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices.
Making Malay Otak-Otak is a relatively simple process that involves a few key steps. First, the fish is deboned and mashed into a smooth paste. This paste is then mixed with a combination of spices such as turmeric, lemongrass, and chili paste, which give the otak-otak its distinctive flavor. Coconut milk is added to the mixture to create a creamy consistency. Next, the mixture is spread onto banana leaves and folded into a packet. The packets are then grilled over an open flame until the fish cake is cooked through and the banana leaves impart a fragrant aroma.
How to Make Malay Otak-Otak
- Prepare the Otak-Otak filling: In a bowl, mix together ground fish or shrimp, coconut milk, red chili paste, turmeric powder, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and salt. Stir the mixture until well-combined.
- Prepare the banana leaves: Cut the banana leaves into squares or rectangles. Blanche the leaves in boiling water for a few seconds, then rinse them with cold water and pat dry. This will soften the leaves and make them more pliable.
- Wrap the filling: Place a spoonful of the Otak-Otak filling in the center of a banana leaf. Fold the leaf to enclose the filling and secure it with toothpicks or string. Repeat this process for the remaining filling and banana leaves.
- Steam the Otak-Otak: Arrange the wrapped Otak-Otak on a steamer and steam them for about 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is cooked and firm. Remove the Otak-Otak from the steamer and let them cool slightly.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the toothpicks or string from the Otak-Otak and serve them as an appetizer or main dish. They pair well with steamed rice or eaten on their own.
Overall, making Malay Otak-Otak is a straightforward process that involves mixing the filling, wrapping it in banana leaves, and steaming it to perfection. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for a snack or a meal.
What is Malay Otak-Otak
One of the key ingredients in Malay Otak-Otak is fish paste, which is typically made from fresh fish fillets. The fillets are deboned and minced to create a smooth and fine texture. This fish paste is then mixed with a variety of spices and herbs, such as lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, chili, and shallots. These ingredients give the dish its distinct taste and aroma.
After the fish paste mixture is prepared, it is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked either by grilling or steaming. The banana leaves not only add a natural fragrance to the dish, but also help to keep the fish cake moist and tender during the cooking process. The grilling or steaming method ensures that the fish cake is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
Malay Otak-Otak is often served as an appetizer or as a side dish in Malaysian cuisine. It is commonly enjoyed with rice or eaten on its own. The dish can vary in spiciness, depending on the amount of chili used in the fish paste mixture. Some variations of Malay Otak-Otak also include additional ingredients like prawns, squid, or vegetables, to add more flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Malay Otak-Otak
1. Fish Fillets
The main ingredient of Malay Otak-Otak is fish fillets, which are usually white-fleshed fish like mackerel or snapper. The fillets are deboned and finely diced before being mixed with the other ingredients to create the filling.
2. Spices and Seasonings
A variety of spices and seasonings are used to flavor the Malay Otak-Otak. This includes ingredients like turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, garlic, and chili. These spices are ground or blended together to create a paste that is mixed with the fish filling to give it a rich and aromatic taste.
3. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is an essential ingredient in Malay Otak-Otak. It adds a creamy and luscious texture to the dish, balancing the spiciness of the spices. The coconut milk is usually added to the blended spice paste and fish filling, creating a moist and flavorful filling.
4. Banana Leaf
Traditionally, Malay Otak-Otak is cooked and served in banana leaves. The banana leaf imparts a subtle flavor to the dish and also helps to keep the filling moist during the cooking process. The filling is wrapped in the banana leaf, creating a parcel that is then grilled or steamed until cooked.
5. Eggs
Eggs are often added to the Malay Otak-Otak filling to enhance the texture and taste of the dish. Beaten eggs are mixed with the fish filling and other ingredients before being cooked. The eggs help to bind the filling together and create a moist and fluffy texture.
These are just some of the key ingredients used in making Malay Otak-Otak. Each recipe can have variations, but these ingredients form the base of this flavorful Malaysian delicacy.
Steps to Prepare Malay Otak-Otak
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients for making Malay Otak-Otak. You will need fresh fish fillets, such as mackerel or snapper, as well as Asian spice paste, coconut milk, eggs, and various seasonings such as chili paste, turmeric powder, and sugar. Additionally, you will need banana leaves for wrapping the otak-otak.
Step 2: Make the Fish Custard
In a blender or food processor, combine the fish fillets, Asian spice paste, coconut milk, eggs, and all the seasonings. Blend until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. This mixture is the fish custard, which is the main filling for the otak-otak.
Step 3: Wrap and Grill the Otak-Otak
Next, cut the banana leaves into square pieces. Spoon a generous amount of the fish custard onto the center of each banana leaf square. Fold the banana leaf over the filling to form a packet, and secure the edges with toothpicks or string.
| Ingredients: | 1 kg fish fillets | 1 cup Asian spice paste | 1 cup coconut milk | 2 eggs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tbsp chili paste | 1 tbsp turmeric powder | 1 tbsp sugar |
Once all the otak-otak packets are ready, place them on a preheated grill or barbecue. Grill the otak-otak for about 10-15 minutes on each side until the banana leaves are slightly charred and the fish custard is cooked through. Alternatively, you can also bake the otak-otak in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 20-25 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the otak-otak is cooked, remove the banana leaves and serve the fish custard hot. It can be enjoyed as a main dish with steamed rice or as a snack on its own. The combination of flavors from the fish, spices, and coconut milk make Malay Otak-Otak a delicious and satisfying dish.
