Laos Inspired Shrimp Packets (Mok Pa)

The other day my friend LT came over and cooked me an amazing Laos meal that he learned while traveling South East Asia.  I was so in love with the fish dish he made (so flavorful and super healthy) that I decided to take my own twist on it!  This is perfect for those New Years resolutions we all made to eat healthier or loose a few pounds.  I promise you wont even know that you are missing anything, cause this dish packs such great flavors! 

Laos Shrimp Packets

1/2 cup cooked white rice
1/2 lb. shrimp (or any white fish)
lime, juice
3 garlic cloves, diced
1/2 jalapeno, diced and deseeded
2 Tbsp basil, chopped
3 Tbsp dill, chopped
3 sprigs green onion, chopped
1 tsp salt salt
1 Tbsp fish sauce
4 Tbsp water

Optional:  Add in any fresh veggies like shitake mushrooms, spinach or bok choy into your steam packet. 

1.  Start boiling water for steamer.  In a large bowl mix together rice, jalapeno, basil, dill, green onion, garlic, lime juice and salt in a large bowl.  Using a pestle grind mixture together so that flavors blend into a rough paste. 

2.  Add in shrimp, any additional veggies, fish sauce and water and mix until the herb mixture evenly coats everything. 

3.  Place into (2-3) foil steam packets and seal securely and place in steamer.  Depending on fish and veggie type steam for approximately 15-20 minutes. 

This is such a great flavorful meal!  I’ve had it with some white fish and shrimp and both are delish.  This is also great to use up that left over rice and any veggies that you have lying around.