Steamed Red Curry Custard ห่อหมก (haw mok)

Step 1

Preheat the steamer on medium heat.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, add curry paste and just enough coconut milk to dissolve the paste, stir until smooth. Add the remaining coconut milk, beaten eggs, palm sugar, fish sauce, and kaffir lime leaves; stir until well combined. Add fish and stir to mix; set aside.

Step 3

At this point, if you want to check seasoning, put a small amount of the liquid into a heat-proof bowl and steam for a few minutes until cooked. Taste and adjust accordingly.

Step 4

If using banana leaves, measure the length of your ramekin from one edge to the other, and cut a strip of banana leaf along the grain to that length, and make strips just wide enough that it sits flat on the bottom. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Line the ramekin with one strip, and place the other perpendicular to the first strip.

Step 5

Put a layer of steamed cabbage and/or kale on the bottom of ramekins (as much as you wish, depending if you like a lot of vegetables in your haw mok or not), then add 2-3 Thai basil leaves to each ramekin.

Step 6

Distribute fish evenly into each ramekin, and ladle liquid over until about 1/2-inch from the top.

Step 7

Steam over medium heat for 15-20 minutes.

Step 8

While the custard steams, make the garnish. Put cornstarch into a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water just to dissolve it. Add coconut milk and stir. Cook in a small pot over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it boils. Remove from heat and pour into a small bowl.

Step 9

When the custard is done, it will be puffed up and will not jiggle much when shaken. To serve, spoon a little of the coconut cream on top, then top with cilantro leaves and spur chilies. Serve with jasmine rice.

Step 10

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