How to Cook With Banana Leaf

Cooking food wrapped in a banana leaf is quite common throughout Central America and Asia. Generally some type of fish or meat is placed in the leaf. During the cooking process, the flavorful banana taste enhances the contents inside. Though the prep work takes some time, it's not difficult. Does this Spark an idea?

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Banana leaf
Meat or fish
Skewers
Grill
Baking dish
Lime or lemon slices

Instructions

- 1
  
  Choose the banana leaf you want to cook with, making sure it has no splits or cuts in it.
- 2
  
  Lightly rinse the leaf in cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
- 3
  
  Warm the leaf to help make it pliable so it can be folded. Heat a griddle to it's highest setting and lay the leaf directly on it for a few seconds. Turn it over the heat the other side. You can do the same on a grill or in the oven.
- 4
  
  Remove the leaf from the heat, lay it on a flat surface and cut off the top and bottom.
- 5
  
  Place whatever fish or meat you are going to cook in the center of the banana leaf. Fold one side of the leaf over the meat. Do the same with the other side. Gather the bottom and fold it towards the center. Repeat with the top. Skewer the wrapped packet together.
- 6
  
  Lay the wrapped leaf on a hot grill for a few seconds to scorch the outside. This will add to the appearance and help infuse the banana flavor into the meat. After scorching it, place the leaf in a baking dish to finish cooking.
- 7
  
  Remove the leaf from the baking dish and transfer to a platter. Take out the skewers, slice off the ends and peel back the leaf. Add garnish such as lemon or lime slices and serve.

Tips & Warnings

You can generally find banana leaves in Asian or Oriental grocery stores.
If you can't use a grill, you can steam your meat or fish filled banana leaf.

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