Meen Pollichathu
Whole fish wrapped in banana leaf with coconut, spices, and green chiles, steamed until tender and fragrant. A classic Kerala dish with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
- Total time
- 35 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 285
- Protein
- 32g
Ingredients
- 1 fish whole fish (sea bream, pomfret, or mackerel), 1 lb
- ½ cup fresh coconut, grated
- 2 whole green chiles, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- ½ whole lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Rinse fish and pat dry. Make 3 diagonal slits on each side.
- 2
Mix grated coconut, green chiles, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- 3
Rub fish inside and out with coconut oil. Stuff cavity and coat with coconut mixture.
- 4
Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water. Place steamer rack inside.
- 5
Bring water to a boil over high heat, ~5 minutes.
- 6
Place fish on banana leaf (if available) or parchment. Set on steamer rack.
- 7
Cover and steam 12–15 minutes until flesh flakes easily at the thickest part.
- 8
Squeeze fresh lime juice over fish. Serve hot.
Tools you’ll need
- large pot with steamer rack
- banana leaf or parchment paper
- small mixing bowl
- knife
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