Malaysian Muar Otah Parcels

Malaysian Muar Otah Parcels

Makes: 8 parcels | Time: 45 mins

If you love bold flavours wrapped in buttery pastry, these Malaysian Muar Otah Parcels will be your new favourite snack. Inspired by the traditional Muar otah, this recipe combines spicy fish paste with crisp, golden puff pastry for a delicious Southeast Asian twist. These parcels are easy to prepare, beautifully aromatic, and perfect as finger food for parties or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

• 2 packets fish otah, 180g each

• 2 sheets puff pastry (24 cm x 24 cm)

• 1 egg, lightly beaten (as egg wash)

• 8 wild pepper leaves, optional

Preparation Tip

Do not thaw the otah or puff pastry. Otah (also known as otak-otak), a popular Malay and Nyonya delicacy, blends fish paste with coconut milk and spices, traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. In Malaysian Muar Otah Parcels, this familiar flavour is given a modern baked twist — lighter, flakier, and easier to make at home.

Method

1. Preheat oven to 190°C for at least 10–15 minutes.
Remove pastry straight from the freezer; cut each square into four pieces. Do the same with the otah.

2. Lay one pepper leaf in the centre of a pastry square. Place otah on top. Using a pastry brush dipped in water, brush along the rim of the pastry. Bring each corner to the centre and press along the rims to seal it.

3. Give each parcel an egg wash using a pastry brush.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Takeaway

Malaysian Muar Otah Parcels bring the authentic taste of Muar otah to your kitchen in a convenient baked form. High in protein and omega-3 fats from the fish, and wrapped in buttery layers, they make a satisfying snack or appetiser. Serve them warm for a crowd-pleasing dish that captures the rich, spicy essence of Malaysian cuisine.