Description
This Simple Moroccan White Fish recipe features tender, flaky white fish cooked in a vibrant and aromatic mixture of grated red peppers, garlic, and fresh cilantro. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers bright, savory Moroccan flavors served alongside optional garlicky jasmine rice and green beans for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 2 large red bell peppers, grated
- 1 head of garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 large bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
- 2 pounds white fish (cod, halibut, or sole)
- Optional: garlicky green beans for serving
For the (Optional) Garlicky Rice:
- 1-2 heads garlic, sliced
- Olive oil (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1.5 cups water
- Sea salt to taste
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish Base: In a large pan, pour in the olive oil followed by the grated red bell peppers and thinly sliced garlic. Heat over medium heat and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the garlic softens and becomes fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add Seasonings and Cilantro: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt over the mixture, then stir in the finely chopped cilantro. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the mixture to cook gently for 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Cook the Fish: Carefully lay the white fish pieces spaced out in the pan on top of the pepper, garlic, and cilantro mix. Spoon some of the mixture over the fish to coat evenly. Cover the pan again and let the fish cook for 10 minutes or until it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the fish for added heat before serving.
- Make the Garlicky Rice (Optional): In a medium pot, sauté the sliced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until the garlic turns golden and aromatic. Add the rinsed jasmine rice, 1.5 cups of water, and a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Finish the Rice: After cooking, turn off the heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the rice. Let it sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
- Serve: Plate the cooked fish with a spoonful of the peppery garlic sauce from the pan. Serve alongside the garlicky jasmine rice and optional green beans sautéed with garlic for a balanced Moroccan-inspired meal.
Notes
- Grate the red bell peppers finely to release more flavor and create a better sauce texture.
- Thinly slicing the garlic helps it soften quickly and infuse the oil without burning.
- Use firm white fish like cod or halibut to prevent the fish from breaking apart during cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Rinsing jasmine rice removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier cooked rice.
- Optional garlicky green beans add a fresh vegetable side to complement the dish.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
