We used Mulloway for this, but I’ve since read in the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s guide, that it is an endangered fish, so perhaps check out the guide and choose another.
Wash the fish and make sure there are no scales still attached. Collect the things you will need.
Take:
6 chilies
7 cloves garlic
¼ cup combined granulated salt and pepper corns
3cm length galangal
Mix in the food processor and spread on baking paper, on a baking tray, and put under high grill for 5 mins to dry it out, but check that it doesn’t burn. This is your rub.
Slice 3 stalks of lemongrass thinly to half way down the stem and half a lime.
Put the fish on its side and cut slits about 1cm in, along the length. Turn and repeat.
Stuff the cavity and splits with the lemongrass slices then stuff with the lime slices.
Apply half the rub to one side.
Lay the fish, rubbed side down, on 4 banana leaves, arranged overlapping to take the length of the fish. Lay the leaves so that their length matches the length of the fish, or they’ll split when you cover the fish.
Apply the rub to the second side and any wandering lemongrass slices should be stuffed in the splits.
Place remaining lemongrass stalks beside fish, sprinkle liberally with salt and squeeze the half lime juice over all.
Place the remaining 4 banana leaves over the fish, folding the leaves around the fish. Slide cooking twine underneath, tie and wrap up the fish, turning the leaves over and under as you go. Secure.
Place on the grill of a medium preheated BBQ diagonally, as shown.
Cook on one side 15 minutes with the hood down, then turn carefully and cook remaining side 15 minutes hood down, or when fish falls away but is still firm.
Transfer carefully to a serving plate, unwrap and serve.
We had it with roti but you could try couscous or rice or salad, and this delicious sauce.
Sauce
2tsp garlic, crushed
1tsp red curry paste
¼ cup pickled onion juice
Juice of ½ lime
1 passionfruit
2Tsp olive oil
2Tsp soy sauce
2Tsp sweet chili sauce
1tsp mixed herbs
1tsp ground coriander
1tsp vanilla sugar
1tsp fennel seeds
Stir vigorously to mix. Add more oil, soy or lime juice to taste.
Enjoy!
Underdown 