Imagine the aroma of spices mingling with the scent of fresh fish, creating a delightful dish that transports you to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia. Otak otak is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors wrapped in a delicious package. With these simple recipes, you’ll be able to whip up your own batch in no time!
Spicy Fish Otak Otak


Nyonya Fish Otak Otak (Fish Custard in Banana Leaves) – Steamed or Grilled from What To Cook Today
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Coconut milk, banana leaves, rice flour, white fish fillet, betel leaves

Otak-Otak (Steamed Fish Custard) from Malaysian Chinese Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Coconut milk, rice flour, banana leaf, betel leaves, kaffir lime leaves Total Time: 35 min.

Nyonya Otak-otak from Cook with Ipohbunny
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Banana leaves, kaffir lime leaves, seafood, lemongrass, belacan Total Time: 30 min.
This version of otak otak is packed with a spicy kick that will awaken your taste buds. The fish is blended with aromatic spices and then grilled to perfection, creating a smoky flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- 500g white fish fillets (like mackerel or snapper)
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Banana leaves for wrapping
What makes this recipe shine is the combination of the fish and the rich flavors of curry paste and coconut milk. Grilling it gives you that lovely charred taste, making each bite a delightful experience. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a party starter, everyone will be reaching for more!
Related Videos
Coconut Prawn Otak Otak


Otak-Otak (Steamed Fish Custard) from Malaysian Chinese Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: 35 min.
Sweet, succulent prawns are the highlight of this creamy and delicious otak otak. The blend of coconut and spices creates a tropical flavor that’s sure to make you feel like you’re on a beach getaway.
- 300g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons grated coconut
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon red chili paste
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- Banana leaves for wrapping
This recipe is special because it taps into the natural sweetness of prawns, enhanced by the creaminess of coconut and the tang of lime zest. It’s a perfect dish for seafood lovers and is often a hit at gatherings. Plus, wrapping them in banana leaves not only adds to the flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation!
Related Videos

Seafood Otak-Otak In Coconut Shell – 椰壳海鲜乌达
(m.youtube.com)

Fish & Prawn Otah in an Air Fryer #shorts
(youtube.com)

SUPER EASY Otah (Otak Otak) 乌达 Singapore Hawker Street …
(m.youtube.com)
Vegetarian Otak Otak


Vegan Otak Otak from The Kampung Vegan
Ingredients: Banana leaves, rice flour, silken tofu, coconut cream, kaffir lime leaves Total Time: 35 min.

Vegan Otak-Otak / Otah from Okara or Tofu from V for Veganista
Ingredients: Rice flour, banana leaf, tofu, soy sauce, kaffir lime leaf Total Time: 30 min.

Nyonya Otak-otak from Cook with Ipohbunny
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Banana leaves, kaffir lime leaves, seafood, lemongrass, belacan Total Time: 30 min.
No seafood? No problem! This vegetarian version is just as flavorful and satisfying, using tofu and a medley of vegetables to create a wholesome dish. It’s all about the spices and the way they blend together.
- 200g firm tofu, crumbled
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (chili paste)
- Banana leaves for wrapping
This dish stands out because it’s not just a substitute for the fish version; it’s a delicious creation on its own. The combination of tofu and fresh veggies makes it light yet filling, perfect for any meal. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet!
Related Videos

Otak-Otak (Vegetarian Fish Cake)
(youtube.com)
Chili Crab Otak Otak

Otak-Otak (Steamed Fish Custard) from Malaysian Chinese Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: 35 min.

Nyonya Fish Otak Otak (Fish Custard in Banana Leaves) – Steamed or Grilled from What To Cook Today
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 5, 0(1)
If you love crab, this otak otak recipe will blow you away! The combination of fresh crab meat with a spicy chili mixture creates a flavor explosion that is both creamy and spicy.
- 300g fresh crab meat
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Banana leaves for wrapping
This recipe is popular for its indulgent taste, making it a favorite at seafood restaurants. The creamy mayonnaise mixed with the spicy chili paste enhances the sweetness of the crab, making it an unforgettable dish. Serve it up at your next dinner party, and watch your guests rave about it!
Related Videos

SUPER EASY Otah (Otak Otak) 乌达 Singapore Hawker Street …
(m.youtube.com)
Herbed Chicken Otak Otak

Herbed Salmon Gratin with Zucchini and Carrot Ribbons from Recipe Community
Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.
This otak otak is a delightful twist featuring tender chicken seasoned with an array of fresh herbs. The flavors are bright and fresh, making it a perfect dish for any season.
- 500g chicken breast, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon coriander, chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Banana leaves for wrapping
This chicken version is loved for its fragrant aroma and the juicy, tender meat that makes it so enjoyable. The use of fresh herbs elevates the dish, providing a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with rice. It’s perfect for family meals or a picnic in the park!
Related Videos

Simple Air Fryer Malaysian Otak-Otak Chicken!
(youtube.com)
Spicy Tuna Otak Otak
Spicy Otak-otak Pizza from Kuali
Ingredients: Canned tuna chunks, tomato paste, black olives, mozzarella cheese, olive oil Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
Otak Otak Fried Rice from cookpad.com
Ingredients: Peri peri, raw fish paste, soy sauce, white rice, lemongrass
Otak-otak from Kuali
Ingredients: Red snapper, coconut milk, rice flour, banana leaf, betel leaves Total Time: 45 min.
This recipe brings a zesty twist to the classic otak otak with the addition of spicy tuna. The combination of tuna and the kick from chili creates a flavor-packed dish that you won’t be able to resist.
- 400g canned tuna, drained
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Banana leaves for wrapping
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the use of pantry staples. The spicy tuna filling is creamy and flavorful, making it an easy yet impressive dish to whip up in a hurry. It’s perfect for a quick snack or a light meal that’s sure to satisfy!