Garlicky Moroccan Fish Recipe

This Garlicky Moroccan Fish is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the taste of North Africa to your table. Made with white fish fillets, bold spices, garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s traditionally cooked in a tagine or skillet and often served with crusty bread or over rice. It’s a healthy, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with bold Moroccan flavors like garlic, cumin, paprika, and turmeric
• Naturally gluten-free and healthy
• Quick and easy to prepare—ready in under an hour
• Great for meal prep or family dinners
• Customizable with your choice of fish and vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• White fish fillets (such as cod, sea bass, or halibut)
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Paprika
• Ground cumin
• Ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice
• Bell peppers (commonly red or green), sliced
• Tomatoes or tomato paste
• Optional: carrots, potatoes, or olives

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, turmeric, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro to create a marinade.
2. Coat the fish fillets in the marinade and let them rest for at least 20–30 minutes.
3. In a large skillet or tagine, heat a little olive oil and layer sliced bell peppers and optional vegetables (like potatoes or carrots).
4. Add sliced tomatoes or a spoonful of tomato paste dissolved in water.
5. Place the marinated fish over the vegetables, spoon any leftover marinade on top, and cover.
6. Simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 25–30 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
7. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Marinating time: 20–30 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

• Use salmon or shrimp instead of white fish for a richer flavor.
• Add green olives or preserved lemons for an extra tangy kick.
• Spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes or harissa.
• Make it heartier with sliced potatoes layered underneath the fish.
• Swap cilantro for parsley if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
• Freezing: Not recommended as the fish may become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild to moderately spiced. You can adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or harissa if desired.

Can I use frozen fish?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.

What kind of fish works best?

Firm white fish like cod, halibut, sea bass, or snapper works well.

Do I need a tagine to cook this?

No, a large covered skillet or Dutch oven works just as well.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—carrots, potatoes, and zucchini are great additions.

Can I skip marinating the fish?

Marinating enhances the flavor, but if you’re short on time, a quick 10-minute marinade will still work.

How do I know when the fish is done?

The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.

What can I serve it with?

Serve with crusty bread, couscous, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep and can be made a day in advance for even better flavor.

Conclusion

Garlicky Moroccan Fish is a simple yet impressive dish that delivers bold flavor and nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or introduce a new cuisine to your table, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it once, and it’ll likely become a regular in your rotation!

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