Mahi Sorkh Shodeh (Persian Fried Fish)
A Nowruz (Iranian New Year) feast is not truly fulfilled without the addition of Persian-style fried fish. Pair mahi sorkh shodeh with sabzi polo (green herb rice) for an authentic and delicious combination.
Ingredients
- ⅛ teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 tablespoon boiling water
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ pounds skinless cod fillets, about 1-inch thick
- ¼ cup grapeseed oil
- ¼ orange, juiced
- 1 orange, cut into wedges
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Crush saffron threads to a powder in a small mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl with 1 tablespoon boiling water. Stir, cover, and set saffron water aside.
- Combine flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, turmeric, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder on a large plate.
- Dry fish well with paper towels. Cut into 3-inch-long pieces and season with salt. Dredge fish in the flour mixture on all sides.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add fish and fry on one side until nice and golden, about 7 minutes. Flip fish, drizzle saffron water over top, and fry the other side until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5 more minutes.
- Transfer fish to a serving platter. Squeeze orange juice over top and serve with orange and lime wedges.
Notes
- Typically, this dish is prepared with white fish, but easier-to-find cod or halibut also work great.
- If you can find fragrant Seville oranges, use them here for their intoxicating scent and flavorful juice.
Nutrition
Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 32gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 842mgPotassium: 740mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
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