Prawns Steamed In Banana Leaves - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 inch grated fresh green ginger (2.5cm)
2 small finely chopped red chilies (remove the seeds if you don't want too much heat)
2 -4 finely chopped spring onions
2 stalks finely chopped lemongrass, white part only
2 teaspoons soft brown sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
2 lbs fresh peeled and deveined green shrimp
8 small banana leaves

Preparation

Put the chillies, ginger, spring onion and lemon grass in a food processor and process until the mixture forms a paste (or grind in a mortar and pestle).
Put the mixture in a bowl and stir in the sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, sesame seeds and coriander.
Mix well.
Add the prawns and toss to coat them.
Cover and refridgerate for about 2 hours.
Soak the banana leaves in boiling water for 3 minutes to soften them.
Drain and then pat them dry.
Cut the banana leaves (or baking paper or foil) into 18cm/7\" squares.
Divide the prawn mixture into eight.
Place each portion onto a banana leaf.
Fold the leaf up to enclose the mixture and then secure with a bamboo skewer.
Cook the parcels in a steamer over simmering water for 8-10 minutes.