Welcome to the vibrant world of Cambodian cuisine, where flavors dance on your palate and aromas transport you to the bustling markets of Phnom Penh. Among the myriad of culinary treasures that Cambodia has to offer, one dish stands out for its unique blend of flavors and cultural significance: Amok.

Amok, often regarded as Cambodia's national dish, is a quintessential representation of the country's rich culinary heritage. This exquisite dish features a delicate balance of aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and fresh ingredients, all enveloped in a banana leaf and steamed to perfection. Its origins trace back centuries, rooted in Khmer traditions and influenced by the diverse culinary influences of Southeast Asia.

In this recipe, we'll embark on a culinary journey to recreate the authentic flavors of Cambodian Amok right in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, immerse yourself in the fragrant world of Cambodian spices, and get ready to delight your senses with this iconic dish that captures the essence of Cambodian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 500g fish fillets (such as tilapia or catfish), chicken breast, or tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons Amok spice paste (available in Asian grocery stores or homemade, see recipe below)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Banana leaves or aluminum foil, for wrapping and steaming

For the Amok Spice Paste:

• 3-4 dried red chilies, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
• 3 stalks lemongrass, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal or ginger, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water, as needed

Instructions:

Prepare the Amok Spice Paste:

1- In a blender or food processor, combine soaked dried red chilies, lemongrass, garlic, shallot, galangal or ginger, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, and shrimp paste (if using).

2- Blend until you achieve a smooth paste, adding water as needed to facilitate blending. Set aside.

Marinate the Protein:

1- In a bowl, combine the fish fillets, chicken, or tofu with 1 tablespoon of the prepared Amok spice paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Mix well to coat the protein evenly. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Banana Leaves:

2- If using fresh banana leaves, briefly pass them over an open flame to soften and make them pliable. Cut into square pieces, large enough to wrap the fish or chicken mixture.

Assemble and Steam the Amok:

1- Place a portion of the marinated fish, chicken, or tofu in the center of each banana leaf square.

2- Fold the banana leaves to encase the mixture securely, forming a packet.

3- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the remaining Amok spice paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

4- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine with the spice paste.

5- Place the wrapped fish, chicken, or tofu packets in the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the coconut milk mixture.

6- Cover the pan and steam the Amok for 15-20 minutes, or until the protein is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Serve and Garnish:

1- Carefully unwrap the banana leaf packets and transfer the Amok to serving plates.

2- Garnish with sliced kaffir lime leaves, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced red chili (if using).

3- Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the authentic flavors of Cambodian Amok.

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Cambodian cuisine with this traditional Amok recipe, a true culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Cambodia's vibrant food culture. Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values:

Here's a general approximation of the nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

Fish fillets (tilapia or catfish), chicken breast, or tofu (500g):

• Protein: varies depending on the choice of protein
• Fat: varies depending on the choice of protein
• Calories: varies depending on the choice of protein

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein for muscle growth and repair.
• Provides essential amino acids necessary for overall health.

Coconut milk (1 can - 400ml):

• Calories: approximately 960 kcal
• Fat: approximately 96g
• Carbohydrates: approximately 16g
• Protein: approximately 8g

benefits:

• Rich source of healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide energy and support heart health.
• Contains vitamins and minerals such as manganese, copper, and iron.

Amok spice paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: approximately 30 kcal
• Fat: approximately 1g
• Carbohydrates: approximately 5g
• Protein: approximately 1g

benefits:

• Contains various spices like turmeric, coriander, and cumin, which have antioxidant properties and may help reduce inflammation.
• Adds flavor and aroma to the dish without adding significant calories.

Kaffir lime leaves (2 leaves):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants and essential oils, offering potential health benefits such as improved digestion and reduced inflammation.
• Adds a unique citrusy flavor to the dish.

Fish sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: approximately 5 kcal
• Sodium: approximately 1000mg
• Protein: approximately 1g

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor and saltiness to the dish.
• Contains essential minerals like sodium and protein.

Palm sugar or brown sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: approximately 45 kcal
• Carbohydrates: approximately 12g

benefits:

• Provides sweetness to balance out savory and spicy flavors.
• Contains small amounts of minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: approximately 120 kcal
• Fat: approximately 14g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats and helps enhance the texture of the dish.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health and immune function.

Red chili (1, thinly sliced):

• Calories: approximately 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: approximately 1g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and reduce inflammation.
• Adds heat and spice to the dish.

Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants.
• Adds freshness and brightness to the dish.

Banana leaves or aluminum foil (for wrapping and steaming):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Used for wrapping and steaming the dish, preserving moisture and imparting a subtle aroma to the food.
• Banana leaves are natural and biodegradable, adding an authentic touch to the cooking process.

Dried red chilies (3-4, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes):

• Calories: approximately 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: approximately 4g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting and pain-relieving properties.
• Adds heat and depth of flavor to the dish.

Lemongrass (3 stalks, thinly sliced):

• Calories: approximately 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: approximately 1g

benefits:

• Contains compounds like citral, which may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds a citrusy, refreshing flavor to the dish.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced):

• Calories: approximately 16 kcal
• Carbohydrates: approximately 4g

benefits:

• Contains sulfur compounds with potential health benefits, including immune support and heart health.
• Adds pungent flavor and aroma to the dish.

Shallot (1, chopped):

• Calories: approximately 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: approximately 5g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
• Adds a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions.

Galangal or ginger (1 thumb-sized piece, chopped):

• Calories: approximately 12 kcal
• Carbohydrates: approximately 3g

benefits:

• Contains gingerol, a bioactive compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds warmth and spiciness to the dish.

Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: approximately 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: approximately 2g

benefits:

• Contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.
• Adds vibrant color and earthy flavor to the dish.

Ground coriander (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: approximately 5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: approximately 1g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.
• Adds a warm, citrusy flavor to the dish.

Ground cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: approximately 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: approximately 1g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and may have digestive benefits.
• Adds a nutty, warm flavor to the dish.

Shrimp paste (1 teaspoon, optional):

• Calories: approximately 10 kcal
• Protein: approximately 2g

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor and umami richness to the dish.
• Contains protein and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Water (2 tablespoons):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Used to adjust the consistency of the dish and prevent it from drying out during cooking.
• Essential for hydration and overall health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and preparation methods.