Fish amok facts for kids
Fish amok served in a banana leaf container
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| Alternative names | Amok trei, amok trey |
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| Type | Steamed curry |
| Place of origin | Cambodia |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Goby fish, snakehead fish or catfish, yellow or green kroeung, coconut cream or coconut milk, eggs |
| Variations | Ho mok pla, mok pa |
Fish amok or amok trei is a special dish from Cambodia. It's a type of steamed curry made with fish. People often say it's one of Cambodia's national dishes. This yummy meal has a soft, light texture, almost like a mousse.
Many believe Fish amok was a royal dish from the time of the Khmer Empire. This means it might have been served to kings and queens long ago!
What's in Fish Amok?
Fish amok is usually made with fish like goby, snakehead fish, or catfish. Sometimes, other fish like cod, snapper, or salmon are used instead.
The fish pieces are mixed with a special paste called Kroeung. This paste can be yellow or green. It's made from fresh herbs and spices. Then, coconut cream or coconut milk and eggs are added to the mix.
How It's Made
The fish and curry mix is placed into a container made from a banana leaf. At the bottom of the container, there are usually great morinda leaves. These leaves add a unique flavor. If great morinda leaves aren't available, swiss chard leaves can be used instead.
The whole thing is then steamed. It cooks for about 20 to 30 minutes. This steaming process gives the curry its soft, mousse-like texture.
How to Enjoy Fish Amok
Fish amok is served hot. You'll often find it in its original banana leaf container or sometimes in a coconut shell. It's usually eaten with steamed rice. The rice helps soak up all the delicious flavors of the curry.
You might also find different versions of amok in Cambodia. Some restaurants make it with chicken, tofu, or beef instead of fish. Other cooks might use a different type of kroeung paste or make the curry more liquid. Sometimes, it's cooked in a pan instead of steamed.
See also
In Spanish: Amok de pescado para niños
