Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Whole Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaf with Spices

  • Author: Sukhen Tanchangya
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling (campfire or grill)
  • Cuisine: Southeast Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Learn how to make whole fish wrapped in banana leaf with spices, a simple, flavorful camping recipe perfect for outdoor cooking. Try it on your next adventure!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole fish (snapper, tilapia, or sea bass work well)
  • 23 fresh banana leaves (for wrapping)
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 23 fresh lemongrass stalks (finely chopped)
  • 23 green chilies (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Fresh cilantro or lime for garnish

Instructions

1. Clean and soften banana leaves over a flame.

Cleaning and preparing banana leaves for cooking

2. Score the fish and rub with a mix of turmeric, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and salt.

Marinating whole fish with spices for banana leaf recipe

3. Marinate the fish for 20 minutes.

4. Place the fish on a banana leaf and wrap tightly.

Wrapping marinated fish in banana leaf for cooking.

5. Secure the edges with twine or toothpicks.

6. Grill over a campfire for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Grilling Whole Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaf over a campfire.

7. Unwrap, garnish with cilantro and lime, and serve hot.

Serving Whole Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaf with fresh garnish


Notes

Ensure the fish is fully wrapped in the banana leaf to lock in moisture and flavor, and cook it over medium heat to prevent burning while achieving a tender, flaky texture.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 whole fish (approx. 300-400g)
  • Calories: 250-300 kcal per serving
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Whole Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaf with Spices