| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 367 | 15g | 2g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 49g | 1.8g |
Why I Love Saudi Arabian Spicy Fish
There are few things that excite me more than exploring different cuisines, and the Saudi Arabian recipe, Spicy Fish, is a delightful addition to my global culinary journey. The unique blend of herbs, spices, and fresh fish, transports me to the vibrant streets of Saudi where this dish would feel right at home. It’s these culinary explorations that make me love what I do.
Tapping Into Universal Flavors
The Spicy Fish recipe uses ingredients familiar to my Cuban and Spanish heritage. I grew up with the tanginess of lime juice and the smoky aroma of cumin wafting from my kitchen, so this dish connects me back to those roots while also showcasing the beauty of Saudi Arabian cuisine. Interestingly, the recipe mirrors certain aspects of Spanish fish stew dishes I’ve grown accustomed to, and yet, it remains distinctively Saudi Arabian.
A Flavorful Symphony
What makes this recipe exceptional is the harmonious symphony of flavors – from the warmth of the ground turmeric to the fresh kick of mint and green chilies (if you dare to add them!). It reminds me of a spice market brimming with various textures, colors, and scents. This dish effortlessly marries these vibrant elements to create a taste sensation.
This recipe is perfect when paired with a simple brown rice dish. The rice will beautifully soak up the richly flavored broth, offering a delightful texture contrast to the flaky fish.
The Inspiration
While traditions inspire many of my meals, it’s also the incredible chefs I come across that fuel my passion for diverse culinary quests. Chef Susie Fishbein, renowned for her work in international cuisine, is one such inspiring figure. Her knack for making cultural dishes accessible is what I aspire to in my cooking, and this Spicy Fish recipe is a testament to that.
Cooking is not just about feeding the body; it’s also about nourishing the soul, teaching us about our shared human experience. This Spicy Fish recipe helps bridge cultures on a plate and that’s why I love it.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of white fish fillets
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric
- 1/2 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning the fish fillets with the salt and lemon juice. Set them aside for about 15 minutes to marinate.
Step Two
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent. This will take around 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional minute, ensuring it does not burn.
Step Four
Now, mix in the ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir well, ensuring the spices are well combined with the onion and garlic.
Step Five
Add the can of diced tomatoes to the pan, along with the chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, bay leaves, and sugar. Stir everything together, then add a cup of water.
Step Six
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step Seven
Place the marinated fish fillets in the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the pan and allow the fish to cook for about 10 minutes, or until it is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
Step Eight
Finally, garnish your spicy fish with the chopped fresh mint and green chilies (if using), serving hot. Enjoy!
