Authentic Otak Otak from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian grilled dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Otak Otak: Grilled Fish Cake

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

Fish paste mixed with tapioca starch and spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled over charcoal. A beloved Indonesian snack with a bouncy, savory character.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500 g firm white fish fillets
  • 100 g tapioca starch
  • 3 shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Banana leaves
  • Peanut sauce for dipping

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Blend fish into a smooth paste.
  2. Mix with tapioca starch, shallots, garlic, egg whites, salt, and sugar.
  3. Beat the mixture until sticky and bouncy.
  4. Spread a thin layer of fish paste on banana leaf.
  5. Roll into a thin cylinder and secure the ends.
  6. Grill over charcoal for 5-7 minutes, turning frequently.
  7. Serve hot with peanut sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Otak Otak: Grilled Fish Cake?

Fish paste mixed with tapioca starch and spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled over charcoal. A beloved Indonesian snack with a bouncy, savory character.

Where does Otak Otak: Grilled Fish Cake come from?

Otak Otak: Grilled Fish Cake originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

What type of grill works best for Otak Otak: Grilled Fish Cake?

Traditional Otak Otak: Grilled Fish Cake is best cooked over charcoal (arang) for authentic smoky flavor. However, a gas grill or grill pan works well too. The key is maintaining medium-high heat and turning regularly for even cooking.

Is Otak Otak: Grilled Fish Cake difficult to make?

Otak Otak: Grilled Fish Cake requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How do I store leftover Otak Otak: Grilled Fish Cake?

Store leftover Otak Otak: Grilled Fish Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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