Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Cambodia with our delectable Fish Amok recipe. A revered dish in Cambodian cuisine, Fish Amok tantalizes the taste buds with its harmonious blend of flavors and aromatic spices. This traditional Khmer dish showcases the rich culinary heritage of Cambodia, combining fresh fish with creamy coconut milk, fragrant lemongrass, and an array of exotic spices. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an adventurous home cook, this recipe promises to transport you to the vibrant streets of Cambodia, where every bite tells a story of tradition, culture, and culinary mastery. Get ready to delight your senses and impress your guests with this authentic Cambodian delicacy.

Ingredients:

• 500g freshwater fish fillets (such as tilapia or catfish), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced (optional)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon galangal or ginger, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely minced
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Sliced red chili, for garnish (optional)
• Banana leaves or aluminum foil, for wrapping (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a bowl, combine the coconut milk, fish sauce, palm sugar, and red curry paste. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the curry paste is evenly distributed.

2- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly and set aside.

3- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced lemongrass, galangal or ginger, garlic, and shallots. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4- Pour in the coconut milk mixture and bring to a gentle simmer.

5- Add the fish fillets to the simmering coconut milk mixture. Stir gently to coat the fish with the sauce.

6- Cover the pan and let the fish cook in the coconut milk for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

7- Once the fish is cooked, gradually pour in the beaten eggs while stirring gently. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.

8- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more fish sauce or sugar according to your preference.

9- Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the Fish Amok to a serving dish.

10- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and sliced red chili, if desired.

11- Serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

12- Optionally, you can wrap individual portions of Fish Amok in banana leaves or aluminum foil before steaming for a more traditional presentation.

Enjoy your homemade Cambodia Fish Amok, a delightful variation of this classic Cambodian dish!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Cambodia Fish Amok recipe:

Freshwater Fish Fillets (500g):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 70g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Contains essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Coconut Milk (400ml can):

• Calories: 960 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 100g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats that can support brain function and hormone production.
• Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may boost metabolism.
• Rich source of manganese, copper, and iron, important for energy production and blood health.

Fish Sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor and umami to dishes.
• Contains protein and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
• Enhances the nutritional profile of the dish without adding extra calories.

Palm Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness to the dish without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
• Contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals like potassium and iron.
• Provides antioxidants that may help combat oxidative stress.

Red Curry Paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

benefits:

• Infuses the dish with complex and aromatic flavors.
• Contains spices like chili peppers, garlic, and lemongrass, which have potential health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties and improved digestion.

Kaffir Lime Leaves (2 leaves, optional):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Imparts a citrusy aroma and flavor to the dish.
• Contains essential oils that may have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
• Adds a refreshing element to the overall flavor profile.

Lemongrass (1 stalk, white part only):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Provides a unique citrusy and floral flavor.
• Contains compounds like citral, which have potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
• May aid digestion and promote overall gut health.

Galangal or Ginger (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Contains gingerol, a bioactive compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Can help alleviate nausea and support digestive health.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Enhances the flavor profile with its pungent and savory taste.
• Rich in allicin, a compound with potential antimicrobial and heart-protective effects.
• Supports immune function and may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Shallots (2):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

benefits:

• Adds a sweet and mild onion flavor to the dish.
• Contains antioxidants like quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
• Provides essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.

Eggs (2):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in choline, which is important for brain health and development.
• Contains various vitamins and minerals including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium.

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Provides healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Can help improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, and K.

Fresh Cilantro Leaves:

• Negligible caloric value

Sliced Red Chili (for garnish, optional):

• Negligible caloric value

Banana Leaves or Aluminum Foil (for wrapping, optional):

• Negligible caloric value

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