Persian Fried Fish with Saffron and Turmeric
This fried fish dish from Persian cuisine is a favorite during Nowruz (Persian New Year), as fish is symbolic of life. It pairs wonderfully with Sabzi Polo.
Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon ground saffron
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 8 (6-oz.) white fish fillets, such as mahi-mahi, haddock, or flounder
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- To bloom saffron, sprinkle saffron over a few ice cubes in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature until ice melts completely, about 45 minutes.
- For marinade, stir together saffron mixture, lemon juice, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Put fish in a shallow dish; pour marinade over fish, turning to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. (Avoid marinating longer, which can cause the fish to “cook” in the acidic mixture.)
- Stir together flour, turmeric, paprika, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a shallow dish.
- Heat vegetable oil in a very large skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge fish in flour mixture, coating both sides of each fillet. Working in batches as needed, fry fish in the hot oil, turning once, until fish flakes easily with a fork, 5 to 7 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
- Transfer fish to a wire rack. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Sabzi Khordan:
A platter of feta, nuts, veggies, and piles of fresh herbs is a quintessential accessory to most Persian meals—it plays the part of salad, appetizer, and serve-yourself dinner garnishes, all at once.
Serve with:
Sabzi Polo is the perfect side to this fried fish recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 348kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 40gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 149mgSodium: 712mgPotassium: 1005mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 4mg
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