Lao Grilled Fish with Herbs (Ping Pa)
Ping Pa is a classic Laotian grilled fish dish, renowned for its aromatic stuffing of local herbs and spices. Typically made with red snapper or other white-fleshed fish, it's seasoned with salt and stuffed with a fragrant mixture of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, shallots, galangal, fish sauce, and lime juice. This delicacy is a staple in Laotian markets and eateries, often served with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce (jeow).
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 ea Whole red snapper or other white-fleshed fish(cleaned, scaled, about 12-16 oz each)
- 2 tbsp Salt(coarse (kosher or sea))
- 2 stalks Lemongrass(bottom 4 inches, finely chopped)
- 6 ea Kaffir lime leaves(finely chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 ea Shallots(finely chopped)
- 1 inch piece Galangal(finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tsp MSG (optional)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for brushing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using whole fish, make several diagonal cuts about ½ inch apart on both sides of each fish, cutting to the bone. This helps seasonings penetrate.
- 2
In a small bowl, mix the chopped lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, shallots, galangal, fish sauce, lime juice, MSG (if using), and black pepper. This is your herb stuffing.
- 3
Rinse the fish under cold water and pat dry. Sprinkle the inside and outside of the fish generously with salt. Stuff the cavity of each fish with the herb mixture.
- 4
Prepare your grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the fish with vegetable oil.
- 5
Grill the fish for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the skin is nicely browned and the flesh is cooked through and flakes easily. Cooking time will vary based on the size of the fish.
- 6
Serve hot with sticky rice and your favorite jeow (chili dipping sauce).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor.
- ✓If you don't have galangal, you can substitute with ginger, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- ✓For easier handling, you can use a fish basket for grilling.
🔄 Variations
- Use fish fillets or steaks instead of whole fish.
- Add other herbs like cilantro or dill to the stuffing mixture.