The Mok Pla is considered to be the authentic representation of Thai culinary offerings. It is a slightly complex recipe, involving various ingredients which you may not have heard before which include the Kaeng Kua Curry paste, Chiffonaded Kaffir and Thai basil. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert in Thai foods to concoct the Mok Pla to perfection. It requires a little detour to the nearest grocery store to fetch the right set of ingredients. If you’re having a few problems with the dish, we would suggest visiting grocery stores which specialize in Thai ingredients. The end result is worth the effort.
Health benefits
Fish needs no introduction when it comes to protein intake. The Mok Pla is known to enrich the local Thai population with useful nutrients such as selenium, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin B12 and magnesium.
Ingredients
egg, beaten: 1
cups of coconut milk: 1 1/2
thai basil (also known as Ho Ra Pa), use only the leaves: 1/2
cilantro, sliced and diced
chiffonaded kaffir lime leaves: 1 tbsp
tbsp of fish sauce: 3
palm sugar: 1 tbsp
cup of coconut cream: 3/4
salt to taste
tbsp of rice flour: 1
Cilantro leaves: 8
julienne red chillis
banana leaves
How To Make Mok pla
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, stir in curry paste and coconut milk. Dissolve the paste and stir until smooth.
- Add remaining coconut milk, palm sugar, beaten eggs, fish sauce and kaffir lime leaves. Stir the ingredients and set aside.
- To use banana leaves, cut a strip along the grain to the length of your choice. Ensure that the strips are wide enough to sit flatly on the bottom. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Align the ramekin with one strip and place the other perpendicular to the strip.
- Stir in a layer of the steamed cabbage on the bottom of the ramekin and then add 2 to 3 Thai basil leaves to each ramekin.
- Spread the fish evenly into each ramekin. Pour the liquid until it is about ½ inch from the top of the vessel.
- Steam at medium heat for 20o minutes.
- Place the cornstarch into a bowl, stir in a bit of water to dissolve it. Add coconut milk to the mixture and stir. Cook the contents in a pot over medium heat. Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl.
- Serve with a little of the coconut cream on top, top with cilantro leaves and chillis. Serve with rice and enjoy!
Trivia
Did you know that Thailand is the only country in south East Asia that hasn’t been colonized by European forces?