Umu-Baked Fish in Banana Leaf
Whole reef fish seasoned simply and wrapped in banana leaf, then baked in the umu alongside taro and breadfruit. The leaf keeps the flesh moist while carrying a faint smoky, herbal aroma.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 60 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 260 kcal
Equipment
- •Earth oven stones (or a covered grill)
- •Banana leaves
- •Kitchen twine
Nutrition
Per serving, approximate
- Calories
- 260 kcal
- fat
- 12
- carbs
- 2
- protein
- 32
- calories
- 260
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the fish and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut two shallow slits across the thickest part.
- 2
Rub salt all over the inside and outside of the fish. Fill the cavity with sliced onion.
- 3
Wrap the fish tightly in banana leaves. Tie it securely with twine or a leaf strip.
- 4
Place the packet on hot umu (earth oven) stones next to the taro. Cover it with more leaves.
- 5
Cook for about 30-40 minutes. The fish is done when the flesh flakes easily.
- 6
Carefully unwrap the banana leaves. Squeeze fresh lime over the fish and serve.
Chef's tips
Scale and clean the fish well. Cut shallow slits across the thickest part so it cooks evenly inside the leaf.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked fish up to 2 days.
Reheating
Warm gently, still wrapped, in a low oven to keep it from drying out.
Common mistakes to avoid
- •Wrapping the fish too loosely so the juices leak out while cooking.
- •Overcooking a small fish by leaving it on the heat as long as larger items.
Serving suggestions
Cooked Umu-Baked Fish in Banana Leaf?
Sign in to save this recipe to a collection. Bookmarking works without an account — it stays on this device.
Sign in for collectionsSimilar recipes
Dishes with the same spirit, spice level and course.
More from American Samoa
Cooking that shares the same kitchen and pantry.
Recipes using similar ingredients
Use what you already bought for this recipe.
