Rice Paper-wrapped Fish

Rice Paper-wrapped Fish Recipe from Japan and Malaysia

Region / culture: Japan, Malaysia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rice Paper-wrapped Fish is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the delicate taste of fish with aromatic herbs and spices, all wrapped in crispy rice paper. This dish is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Rice Paper-wrapped Fish is a traditional Vietnamese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of fresh fish, fragrant herbs, and crispy rice paper is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is loved for its simplicity and delicious flavors.

Ingredients

800 g of firm fish fillets
2 green chilies, chopped
1 tbsp of sesame oil
4 tbsp of chopped coriander
2 tbsp of chopped basil
1 tsp of cumin seeds
12 large rice paper rounds
oil (for frying)
black sesame seeds (optional)

How to prepare

Wash the fish, pat it dry with absorbent paper, and cut it into 12 pieces.
Place the chillies, sesame oil, coriander, basil, and cumin seeds in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind them until they form a rough paste.
Spread the paste over the fish pieces.
Brush the rice papers with warm water and set them aside for 4 minutes or until they become soft.
Place a piece of fish on each rice paper round, fold in the sides, and roll to enclose.
Heat a little oil in a frypan over medium heat.
Cook the parcels for 2 – 3 minutes on each side, or until the rice paper becomes golden and crispy, and the fish is tender.
Drain the parcels on absorbent paper.
Sprinkle them with sesame seeds and serve with steamed Asian greens drizzled with oyster sauce and steamed jasmine rice.

Variations

You can use different types of fish fillets, such as salmon or cod, for a different flavor.
Add sliced vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to the parcels for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the fish dry before cutting it into pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly.

- Brushing the rice paper with warm water helps to soften it and make it easier to work with.

- Cooking the parcels on medium heat ensures that the rice paper becomes crispy without burning.

- Serve the dish with steamed Asian greens and jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice Paper-wrapped Fish with steamed Asian greens drizzled with oyster sauce and steamed jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grind the herbs and spices in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to release their flavors.

- Brush the rice paper with warm water to soften it before wrapping the fish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the firm fish fillets with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.

- Use different herbs and spices, such as lemongrass or ginger, for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fish parcels ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Just make sure to cook them within a day for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Rice Paper-wrapped Fish on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Rice Paper-wrapped Fish with a crisp white wine or a light Asian beer for a refreshing and complementary drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the parcels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice Paper-wrapped Fish contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice Paper-wrapped Fish contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rice Paper-wrapped Fish contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Rice Paper-wrapped Fish contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice Paper-wrapped Fish is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any allergies before consuming.

Summary

Rice Paper-wrapped Fish is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice Paper-wrapped Fish is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and flavorful meal. With aromatic herbs and spices, crispy rice paper, and tender fish, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I flipped through the pages, a picture of a delicate rice paper-wrapped fish caught my eye. The dish looked so elegant and refined, yet also simple and wholesome. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it.

I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking. From a young age, I would watch my mother and grandmother in the kitchen, marveling at the way they effortlessly transformed simple ingredients into delicious meals. Over the years, I had picked up many recipes and techniques from them, but this rice paper-wrapped fish was unlike anything I had ever seen before.

I immediately set out to learn more about this intriguing dish. I asked my mother if she had ever made it, but she shook her head and said it was a recipe she had never tried. Undeterred, I turned to my friends and neighbors, hoping that someone would be able to teach me the secrets of this mysterious dish.

It wasn't long before I struck gold. A kind elderly woman who lived down the street from me had learned how to make rice paper-wrapped fish during her travels in Southeast Asia. She had been hesitant to share the recipe at first, but after some persistent begging on my part, she finally relented.

I eagerly set to work in my kitchen, gathering all the necessary ingredients and carefully following the instructions that the elderly woman had given me. I marinated the fish in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then carefully wrapped it in a sheet of rice paper before steaming it to perfection.

The moment I took my first bite of the rice paper-wrapped fish, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The delicate rice paper enveloped the fish like a cocoon, locking in all the flavors and juices. The fish itself was tender and moist, with a subtle hint of sweetness from the marinade. It was a dish unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that it would become a staple in my culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have continued to make rice paper-wrapped fish for my family and friends, each time tweaking the recipe and adding my own personal touch. I have shared the recipe with countless people, passing on the knowledge that was generously shared with me.

As I reflect back on the journey that led me to discover this exquisite dish, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. It is through sharing recipes and cooking techniques that we preserve our culture and heritage, passing down traditions from one generation to the next.

And so, whenever I make rice paper-wrapped fish, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the kind souls who have guided me along this culinary adventure. I am grateful for the knowledge and wisdom that has been imparted to me, and I am humbled by the joy that cooking brings to my life.

In the end, it is not just about the food itself, but about the stories and connections that are woven into every dish we create. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of rice paper-wrapped fish with my loved ones, I am reminded of the bonds that unite us and the love that sustains us.