Otak-otak

Otak-otak is a cake made of fish meat. It is widely known across Southeast Asia , where it is traditionally served fresh, wrapped inside banana leaf, as well as in many Asian stores internationally - being sold as frozen food and even canned food.

Composition:
Otak-otak is made by mixing fish paste (usually mackerel) with a mixture of spices. In Indonesia, the mixture contains fish paste,shallot,garlic,green onion,egg,coconut milk,and sago flour or can be substituted for cassava starch. While in Malaysia, it is a mixture between fish paste,chillies,garlic,shallots,tumeric,lemon grass and coconut milk. The mixture is then wrapped in a banana leaf that has been softened by steaming, then grilled or steamed.

the composition of otak-otak

While fish otak-otak is most common, otak-otak is also made with prawns, often resulting in a more textured variety. In Muar, you will also be able to find otak-otak made from cuttlefish, fish head and even chicken.
In Jakarta, Indonesia, one could find otak-otak being sold in small stalls near bus stops, especially during afternoon rush hour. Some of the best otak-otak can be found in another Indonesian city, Makassar. The main ingredient is fresh King Mackerel Fish or known as King Fish.

grilled otak-otak