Heart-Healthy Otah (Grilled Spicy Fish Paste)

Infused with the vibrant spices of Southeast Asia, this Heart-Healthy Otah (Grilled Spicy Fish Paste) offers a guilt-free twist on a beloved classic. Made with tender skinless cod or tilapia fillets, light coconut milk, and an aromatic blend of red chilies, turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass, this dish delivers bold, smoky flavors with a healthier touch. Wrapped in fragrant banana leaves and grilled to perfection, each parcel locks in moisture while imparting a subtle charred aroma. Perfect as an appetizer or paired with steamed rice, this recipe is naturally low in saturated fats but rich in flavor, making it ideal for those seeking heart-smart dining without compromising on taste. With just 30 minutes of prep time and a foolproof grilling technique, this wholesome otah is as easy as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g Skinless cod or tilapia fillet
• 100 ml Coconut milk (light)
• 3 medium Red chili
• 5 medium Shallots
• 2 large Garlic cloves
• 1 stalk Lemongrass stalk
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Galangal
• 3 leaves Lime leaves
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 10 sheets Banana leaves
• 1 bottle Olive oil spray

Directions

Step 1

Begin by processing the fish fillets into a paste using a food processor. Blend until smooth but with some texture remaining.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, combine the coconut milk and the fish paste. Stir gently until mixed.

Step 3

For the spice paste, use the food processor to blend together the red chilies, shallots, garlic, lemongrass stalk (white part only), turmeric powder, galangal, and lime leaves until a smooth paste is formed.

Step 4

Add the spice paste and coriander powder to the fish mixture and mix thoroughly. Add salt to taste.

Step 5

Prepare the banana leaves by cutting them into 20 cm squares. Soak them in hot water for 5 minutes to make them pliable, then pat them dry.

Step 6

Place 2-3 tablespoons of the fish mixture onto the center of each banana leaf square.

Step 7

Fold the sides of the banana leaf over the fish mixture to encase it completely. Secure the parcels using toothpicks.

Step 8

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Lightly spray each parcel with olive oil.

Step 9

Place the banana leaf parcels on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes on each side, or until the banana leaves are charred and the fish paste is cooked through.

Step 10

Serve the otah warm, accompanied by steamed rice or as an appetizer. Enjoy this heart-healthy delicacy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2201.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2626.7

Total Fat 246.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 215mg	0%
Sodium 1503.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.5g	0%
Total Sugars 19.9g
Protein 99.5g	0%

Vitamin D 200IU	0%
Calcium 238.6mg	0%
Iron 12.6mg	0%
Potassium 2947.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 76.7%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 9.5%