Grouper Steamed in Banana Leaves

Name: Grouper Steamed in Banana Leaves
Total time: PT0D0H0M
Yield: serves 4
Ingredients: 1 ⁄ 2 cup tamari; 4 Tbsp. fish sauce; 2 tsp. lemongrass, finely chopped; 1 tsp. Sriracha; 1 Tbsp. sugar; 4 (6-oz.) grouper filets; 4 (10-by-12–inch) banana leaf sheets; 4 (1/2-by-12–inch) thin banana leaf strips; 1 red bell pepper, julienned; 1 stick butter, room temperature; Zest of 1/4 lime; 1 ⁄ 4 tsp. minced lemongrass; 1 ⁄ 2 tsp. minced ginger; 1 tsp. chopped cilantro

Serves
serves 4

SAVEUR EDITORS

This recipe was inspired by cookbook author, restaurateur and Hawaiian TV host Sam Choy. The use of the banana leaves adds a wonderful flavor to the fish and creates a standout presentation.

Ingredients

For the Fish and Marinade

¹⁄₂ cup tamari
4 Tbsp. fish sauce
2 tsp. lemongrass, finely chopped
1 tsp. Sriracha
1 Tbsp. sugar
4 (6-oz.) grouper filets
4 (10-by-12–inch) banana leaf sheets
4 (1/2-by-12–inch) thin banana leaf strips
1 red bell pepper, julienned

For the Herb Butter

1 stick butter, room temperature
Zest of 1/4 lime
¹⁄₄ tsp. minced lemongrass
¹⁄₂ tsp. minced ginger
1 tsp. chopped cilantro

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Instructions

Step 1

For the marinade: Combine tamari, fish sauce, lemongrass, Sriracha, and sugar in a medium bowl. Place grouper in marinade for 20 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2

Make the herb butter: Blend butter, lime zest, lemongrass, ginger, and cilantro in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil for the bamboo steamer. Remove grouper filets from marinade and place in center of banana leaf. Top fish with 1 1⁄2 tsp. of herb butter and 3 pieces of julienned red pepper.

Step 4

Fold leaf into a package and tie with a banana leaf strip. Place in bamboo steamer in a single layer and cook 8-10 minutes. Note: If using a multi-tiered steamer, keep in mind that the fish in the top basket will take approximately 2 minutes longer to cook.

Step 5

To serve, place sealed fish packages on individual plates to be opened at the table.

For the marinade: Combine tamari, fish sauce, lemongrass, Sriracha, and sugar in a medium bowl. Place grouper in marinade for 20 minutes. Set aside.
Make the herb butter: Blend butter, lime zest, lemongrass, ginger, and cilantro in a small bowl. Set aside.
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil for the bamboo steamer. Remove grouper filets from marinade and place in center of banana leaf. Top fish with 1 1⁄2 tsp. of herb butter and 3 pieces of julienned red pepper.
Fold leaf into a package and tie with a banana leaf strip. Place in bamboo steamer in a single layer and cook 8-10 minutes. Note: If using a multi-tiered steamer, keep in mind that the fish in the top basket will take approximately 2 minutes longer to cook.
To serve, place sealed fish packages on individual plates to be opened at the table.