Mok Pa is a traditional Lao fish dish that features marinated fish fillets steamed with aromatic herbs and spices.

How long does Mok Pa take to make?

Mok Pa takes between 50 to 150 minutes to prepare and cook.

Mok Pa Recipe – Laos's Flavorful Fish Dish

Name: Mok Pa
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Laos
Ingredients: aluminum foil for wrapping; banana leaves; brown sugar; catfish boneless; cilantro; cloves garlic; fish sauce; galangal; ginger; lemongrass; lime juice; palm sugar; pound 450g fish fillets such as tilapia; red chilies adjust; regular basil if unavailable; skinless; soy sauce; thai basil leaves

Mok Pa releases fragrant steam when unwrapped, revealing delicate fish infused with lemongrass, Thai basil, and cilantro aromas. This ancient Laotian technique of steaming fish in banana leaves preserves moisture and flavor while creating a rustic presentation. Popular along the Mekong River and throughout Laos, Mok Pa connects diners to centuries of tradition. The herb-packed marinade transforms simple fish into a deeply aromatic delicacy.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~250 kcal / serving

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) fish fillets (such as tilapia or catfish), boneless and skinless
1/4 cup fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon galangal or ginger, minced
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or regular basil if unavailable)
1/4 cup lemongrass, finely chopped
Banana leaves or aluminum foil (for wrapping)

Instructions

Prepare the Fish

Marinate the Fish

Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, palm sugar, minced garlic, sliced chilies, and minced galangal or ginger. Mix well.

Add Herbs

Stir in chopped cilantro, Thai basil, and finely chopped lemongrass. Add the fish pieces to the marinade and mix to coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Wrap and Cook

Prepare Wrapping

If using banana leaves, cut them into large squares and lightly steam or wilt them to make them pliable. If using aluminum foil, cut into squares.

Wrap the Fish

Place a portion of the marinated fish mixture in the center of each banana leaf or aluminum foil square. Fold the edges over to create a sealed packet.

Steam

Place the wrapped packets in a steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for about 20-30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and tender.

Serve

Carefully unwrap the packets and transfer the Mok Pa to a serving dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mok Pa?

Mok Pa is a traditional Laotian preparation of fish fillets marinated and steamed in banana leaves with aromatic herbs, spices, and a pungent fish sauce mixture. The result is tender, fragrant fish infused with complex flavors.

Where does Mok Pa come from?

Mok Pa is a classic Laotian dish, particularly popular near the Mekong River where fish is a dietary staple. It's served at celebrations, markets, and home tables throughout Laos.

What are the main ingredients in Mok Pa?

The dish combines fish fillets, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and fresh chilies wrapped in banana leaves.

Any tips for making the best Mok Pa?

Use fresh fish of good quality, marinate for at least 30 minutes, steam gently to preserve delicate fish texture, and work carefully when unwrapping to keep flavors contained.

What do you serve with Mok Pa?

Serve Mok Pa with steaming sticky rice, fresh vegetables, and lime wedges. The aromatic fish pairs beautifully with the bland stickiness of the rice.

Mok Pa