Pla Pao (Grilled Fish)

Ingredients

• 11 whole sea bass or grouper, 600-800g, cleaned
• 22 tbsp coarse sea salt
• 33 stalks lemongrass
• 44 kaffir lime leaves
• 5Fresh coriander roots
• 63 tbsp fish sauce (for dipping sauce)
• 72 tbsp lime juice
• 81 tbsp sugar
• 93-4 Thai chillies, minced
• 103 cloves garlic, minced
• 11Fresh coriander leaves

Instructions

1. 1Score the fish with 3-4 diagonal cuts on each side.
2. 2Stuff the cavity with lemongrass stalks, kaffir lime leaves, and coriander roots.
3. 3Rub the entire fish generously with coarse sea salt.
4. 4Grill over medium charcoal or gas flame for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until skin is charred and flesh flakes easily.
5. 5For the dipping sauce: combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chilli, and garlic — stir until sugar dissolves.
6. 6Garnish sauce with fresh coriander.
7. 7Serve whole fish at the table with dipping sauce and steamed rice.