Kazakh Baked Fish Koktal
A popular festive dish, Koktal features whole fish baked on a bed of vegetables, often prepared outdoors over coals, resulting in a smoky, tender, and flavorful meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole fish(e.g., carp, pike, or trout, cleaned and scaled)
- 3 large Onions(sliced into rings)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(sliced into rings)
- 2 large Bell peppers(sliced into rings (assorted colors))
- 100 g Butter(cut into small pieces)
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 Lemon(sliced, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup Fresh dill(chopped, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). If cooking outdoors, prepare a bed of hot coals.
- 2
Make several diagonal slits on both sides of each fish. Season the inside and outside of the fish with salt and pepper.
- 3
Line a large baking sheet or a heatproof platter (if cooking outdoors) with a generous layer of sliced onions. Arrange the sliced tomatoes and bell peppers over the onions.
- 4
Place the prepared fish on top of the vegetable bed. Distribute the pieces of butter over and inside the fish.
- 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If cooking outdoors, place the platter over the coals and cover with foil or a lid, turning as needed.
- 6
Garnish the finished Koktal with fresh lemon slices, chopped dill, and parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor.
- ✓Do not overcook the fish, as it can become dry.
- ✓If using a whole fish, check for doneness by inserting a knife into the thickest part near the bone; it should come out hot and the flesh should be opaque.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add slices of zucchini or eggplant to the vegetable bed.
- Marinate the fish in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with a side of traditional Kazakh bread (nan).