Lebanese Fish with Tahini Sauce
Indulge in the exquisite taste of Lebanese Fried Fish with Tahini Sauce. Fresh white fish fillets are perfectly fried to golden perfection and paired with a zesty tahini sauce that brings out an explosion of flavors. This recipe is easy to make yet deeply satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a delightful dinner or nutritious lunch.
Ingredients
Time
- Total:
- 25m
- Prep:
- 10m
- Cook:
- 15m
- Extra:
- plus 10 mins resting
- White fish, 4 fillets (400g)
- Tahini, 3 tbsp
- Lemon juice, 2 tbsp
- Water, 1 tbsp
- Plain Flour, 2 tbsp
- Turmeric, 1/2 tsp
- Paprika, 1 tsp
- 7-Spice Mix, 1 tsp
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying
Notes
You can use a deep fryer if you fancy, or an air-fryer as a healthier option! An oven set to grill-mode can also get the job done nicely.
Nutrition Facts
| Total Fat 13.5g | 21% |
| Saturated 2.5g | 13% |
| Omega-3 0.8g | 68% |
| Cholesterol 45g | 15% |
| Total Carbohydrates 6g | 2% |
| Dietary Fibers 1.5g | 5% |
| Sugars 2g | 2% |
| Protein 17.5g | 38% |
| Vitamin C 12.5mg | 17% |
| Vitamin A 100mg | 14% |
| Potassium 450mg | 13% |
| Sodium 300mg | 13% |
Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the white fish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
If you are using frozen fillets, let them defrost fully and pat them extra well.
Step 2
Now get a bowl and mix the flour with a pinch of salt, turmeric, paprika, 7-spices.
Dip one side of each fillet in the flour mix and let it rest for 10 minutes before dipping them once more on the same side.
The moisture of the fish will soak up the first layer and allow the 2nd layer to achieve a perfect coating. Help yourself with a dry spatula to pick up the fish from the bowl.
By the way, you can also dip them all over if you want to get a classic "fried-all-over" look. I like for the crust to be at the top only, it looks fancy!
Step 3
Next, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Use enough oil to cover about half of the fillet thickness.
Add the fish fillets and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and the curst is golden brown.
Remove the fish from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4
As the fish cools down a minute, take a small bowl and whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
Adjust the consistency to your preference by adding more water if needed.
Step 5
Finally, place the fried fish fillets on a serving plate and drizzle generously with the tahini sauce.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side and some fresh parsley sprigs.
Goes well with
I love pairing my tahini fish with this refreshing dandelion salad (Hindbeh).
FAQ
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, or tilapia.
How can I make the tahini sauce thinner?
Add more water or lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
What is 7-Spice and can I substitute it?
7-Spice mix is a blend of spices commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. If you don't have it, you can use a combination of allspice, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free because it uses plain wheat flour for the coating. But if you replace that flour with potato or corn starch, it will be gluten-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fish and tahini sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat the fish in the oven or air-fryer to get back the crunchy crust before pouring the tahini sauce back on.