Cambodian•gourmet

Amok

Recipe for Khmer Amok, a delicious Cambodian dish

Ingredients

Quantities are shown as originally provided.

2-3 dried red chilies (soaked in hot water (adjust to your desired level of spiciness))
2 lemongrass stalks (chopped)
3-4 cloves garlic
1 small shallot (chopped)
1 thumb-sized piece galangal (or ginger, chopped)
1 thumb-sized piece fresh turmeric (or 1 tsp of turmeric powder)
1 kaffir lime zest (or use regular lime zest)
1 tsp shrimp paste (optional, but traditional)
1-2 tablespoons water (to help blend)
14 oz boneless fish fillets ((catfish or tilapia work well), or use chicken, tofu, or other protein of your choice)
1 can 14 oz of coconut milk
1-2 kaffir lime leaves (finely shredded)
1 egg (optional)
1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tsp sugar
Banana leaves for wrapping (or use aluminum foil)
Fresh herbs for garnish (Thai basil, cilantro, etc.)
Sliced red bell pepper (for garnish and color)

1
Start by making the Amok paste. Blend all the paste ingredients together until you have a smooth, fragrant paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor.
2
Cut the fish (or other protein) into bite-sized pieces and mix it with the Amok paste. Allow it to marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
3
In a saucepan, heat half of the coconut milk until it starts to bubble.
4
Add the marinated fish and the remaining coconut milk to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly. You'll see the mixture thicken as it cooks.
5
Add the fish sauce, sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6
If you'd like a thicker consistency, you can add a beaten egg to the mixture. Stir well until the egg is fully cooked.
7
Prepare your banana leaves or aluminum foil by briefly passing them over an open flame to make them more pliable.
8
Spoon the Amok mixture onto the banana leaves or foil, then fold and secure the edges to create a packet.
9
Steam the packets for about 15-20 minutes until the Amok is fully cooked and set.
10
10. Serve your Khmer Amok with steamed rice and garnish with fresh herbs and sliced red bell pepper.
11
Enjoy your homemade Khmer Amok, a flavorful and aromatic Cambodian delicacy!