Pla Pao (Authentic Thai Grilled Fish Recipe)
This authentic Thai grilled fish recipe (pla pao) delivers smoky flavors reminiscent of Thailand’s food markets, making it a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients
FISH
- 2.2 lb tilapia
- 3 stalks of lemongrass
- 6 kaffir lime leaves
- 1/2 cup salt flower, also knwon as fleur de sal
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
DIPPING SAUCE
- 4 chilies
- 1 head of garlic
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 coriander root
- 3 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp tamarind sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
GRILL THE FISH
- Clean the fish thoroughly, ensuring it’s free from innards, while keeping the scales on. Insert lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves into the fish’s cavity.
- Combine all-purpose flour with salt flower.
- Apply the flour and salt mixture evenly over the fish. Once coated, allow the fish to rest for 15 minutes. During this time, preheat your grill and prepare the dipping sauce.
- Place the fish on the grill. Cook until the exterior is crisp, and the interior flesh is tender, flipping carefully as needed. Serve with fresh vegetables, noodles or rice, and the dipping sauce.
DIPPING SAUCE
- Combine the specified ingredients for the dipping sauce in a food processor. Process the mixture until it achieves a smooth or slightly chunky consistency, as preferred.
Notes
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
- Serve with your favorite fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and yard long beans.
Calories: 714kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 80g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 1440mg | Potassium: 1498mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 87mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 5mg
