I’ve never tried making Haw Moke Gai or Chicken Steamed in Banana Leaf before, and it is something that my Mom cooked for us whilst I was growing up, so this is something that I’m familiar with. I saw a post at mscinda’s blog of her Moke Gai, and wanted to give it a try, but my version is slightly different from hers, my version is closest to my Mom’s recipe. I used the chicken thigh instead of breast because it has some fat, and won’t be too dry after cooked. My ingredients to make 6 Haw Moke Gai are,
1.50 lbs Boneless chicken thighs
2 Chili peppers
2 Garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 Asian Shallots, roughly chopped
4 Cilantro roots, roughly chopped
1 Lemon grass stalk
½ inch piece of Galangal, finely chopped
½ inch piece of Ginger, finely chopped
5 Kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
1 table spoon of Shrimp paste
¼ teaspoon of Salt
¼ teaspoon of Brown sugar
4 grinds of black pepper (about ¼ teaspoon)
First I made the curry paste or mixing by using a Lao pestle and mortal, I added the chilies, garlic, cilantro roots, lemon grass, galangal, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, shrimp paste, salt, brown sugar, and black pepper, then pounded until the mixture forms a curry paste.
In a mixing bowl, I combined the curry paste, chicken, shallots, keep stirring in the same direction until all the ingredients are mixed together.
I added Dill last, then covered and refrigerated for about 10-15 minutes to set slightly.
I bought my banana leaves in the frozen section of the Asian Market, make sure you wipe them clean, I had to do it twice. And to soften the banana leaves and prevent them from splitting, put them in a hot over for about 30 seconds.
I used 2 leaves, one on top of another so that it’d not break while the haw moke are cooking. I placed one piece with the fiber running lengthways, and another the fiber running across.
I used toothpicks to pin the ends to close the haw moke (pocket).
I filled a steamer pan with water, bring it to a boiling point with high heat, then placed the 6 Haw Moks on the plate, and cover the steamer lid, cook for about 25 minutes.
After 10 minutes of cooking, check the steamer to see if you need to add more water.
My Haw Moke Gai, I’m happy with the outcome, smells and tastes very much like my Mom’s Haw Moke Gai.
TRIPPLE YUMMMMM!!! I love Mok Gai! The lemon grass.. the herbs.. the spice.. oh boy… I going to ask my Mom to make some. hehe…
yours look delicious!
lady0fdarkness, thanks. I thought you’d want to make it yourself, it’s very simple. 🙂
Wow, thank you very much for this. I been dying to cook this and I will use your recipe.
jankobot, you’re welcome. I’d love to see your version, please do post at your blog if you’ve a chance.
Hi Ginger, Merry Christmas to you.
Gawd this food is making my mouth watery.
How are you?
Cheers,
K
Hi K, Happy Holidays and New Year to you. I was wondering what’s up with you, but I see that you’ve switched to a new platform. I updated my Blogroll for your new Url, and hope to see more photos of HK.
I start to cook more now, let’s hope that it doesn’t turn into a food blog. 🙂
Nye – I want some:-).. Looks great!! Only 2 items you’re missing are stickyrice and tum mark hoong.
seeharhed, tum buk houng and sticky rice, I can arrange that. 🙂
My mouth is watering just looking at the pictures. 🙂 Great job!
Hi mscinda, thanks for inspiring me to cook this dish. I’m looking forward to doing more cooking in the future. 🙂
[…] recipe is very much like those of MsCinda and Nye but with of course my own unique little […]
THanks Nye! you know I love to cook and I sure will have to try this recipe one day! it lookslike a very easy recipe!! I can’t wait to try it, it looks super yummy!
mozemoua, thanks, I’d love to see your version, I’m sure you’ve your own twist to spice things up. 🙂
[…] kaffir lime leaves are used in Lao and Thai cuisine for dishes such as Red or Massaman Curry, Haw Moke Gai, Larp (Nom Tok or Spicy Beef), and many more. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and can be […]
[…] we visited Bo’s mom and she made Moke Gai for […]
It is so hard to find a recipe for Mok Gai. This is my all time favorite dish, and I am making it tonight. Thank you so much for posting it!
Thanks MojitoMike for your visit and comment, I hope your dish turned out well.