Pla Pao

Pla Pao is a delicious low-carb Thai breakfast dish featuring grilled fish infused with fragrant herbs and spices, served with a zesty dipping sauce. This dish is not only flavorful but also provides a nutritious start to your day.

Pla Pao
25 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Thai
250 kcal

Ingredients

  • Whole fish (e.g., tilapia) - 400 grams
  • Lemongrass - 2 stalks, finely chopped
  • Fresh cilantro - 30 grams, chopped
  • Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
  • Kaffir lime leaves - 4 leaves, shredded
  • Salt - 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Lime - 1, juiced
  • Chili (fresh or dried) - 1, sliced (optional)
  • Thai fish sauce - 1 tablespoon
  • Coconut oil - 1 tablespoon for grilling

Steps

  1. Clean and gut the fish, then pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. In a bowl, mix the chopped lemongrass, cilantro, minced garlic, shredded kaffir lime leaves, salt, and black pepper to create a herb mixture.
  3. Make shallow slashes on both sides of the fish and then rub the herb mixture all over and inside the fish, ensuring it's well-coated.
  4. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it with coconut oil.
  5. Place the fish on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. While the fish is grilling, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing lime juice, sliced chili (if using), and fish sauce in a small bowl.
  7. Once the fish is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Serve the grilled fish hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Carbs: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • High in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health.

Tags

ThaiLow CarbBreakfast