Photograph of the finished Prawns Grilled in Banana Leaf

Vietnam · Tôm nướng lá chuối

Prawns Grilled in Banana Leaf

40 min Hands-on time + 30 min waiting
EasyDifficulty
6 stepsSteps
Serves 4 Amounts follow along 4

What to get ready

  • Photograph of Prawns Prawns 3.1 lb
  • Photograph of Banana leaves Banana leaves 16 leaves
  • Photograph of Lemongrass Lemongrass 4.2 oz
  • Photograph of Fish sauce Fish sauce ⅓ cup
  • Photograph of Chilli Chilli 12
  • Photograph of Garlic Garlic 20 cloves
  • Photograph of Oil Oil ½ cup
  • Photograph of Black pepper Black pepper 0.6 oz
  • Photograph of Lime Lime 2
  • Photograph of Steamed rice Steamed rice 1.8 lb

Method

  1. 1 Briefly heat the banana leaves over a flame for 10 seconds to make them pliable and prevent them from cracking when wrapping.
  2. 2 Marinate whole shrimp with chopped lemongrass, garlic, chili, fish sauce, and pepper for 30 minutes.
  3. 3 Wrap the shrimp in two layers of banana leaves, making them flat, and secure them with toothpicks.
  4. 4 Wrapping it in two layers of leaves allows the inner layer to retain moisture while the outer layer burns on the coals.
  5. 5 Grill the package over charcoal or in a 220-degree oven for 14 minutes, flipping it once.
  6. 6 Open the package right at the table to let the banana leaf aroma rise, then squeeze in some lemon juice.

With an appliance

  • Charcoal grill 35 min

    Grill the package directly over charcoal for 12 minutes, flipping it at the 6th minute; charring the banana leaves enhances the smoky flavor.

Start cooking