Kazakh Koktal
Koktal is a flavorful baked fish dish, traditionally prepared with carp or sazan, seasoned with vegetables and herbs, and often cooked in a tandoor or oven. It's a celebratory dish, especially popular during holidays and gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Whole carp or sazan(cleaned and scaled, about 1kg each)
- 3 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(sliced)
- 2 large Bell peppers(any color, sliced)
- 1 medium Lemon(sliced)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 bunch Fresh dill(chopped)
- 1 bunch Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). If using a tandoor, prepare it for baking.
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated for even cooking. - 2
Make deep slashes on both sides of the fish. Season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and coriander powder.
💡 Tip: Slashing helps the marinade penetrate and cook the fish evenly. - 3
In a bowl, mix sliced onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, minced garlic, chopped dill, and parsley with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. This is your vegetable mixture.
- 4
Stuff the cavity of each fish with some of the vegetable mixture and lemon slices. Place the remaining vegetable mixture over and around the fish in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the baking dish; allow some space for heat circulation. - 5
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If using a tandoor, adjust cooking time accordingly.
💡 Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish and your oven. - 6
Let the koktal rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier kick, add some sliced chili peppers to the vegetable mixture.
- ✓If you don't have carp or sazan, other firm white fish like sea bass or bream can be used.
- ✓Traditionally, koktal is cooked on a bed of coals or in a tandoor, which imparts a unique smoky flavor. If baking in an oven, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the vegetable mixture for a similar effect.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add thinly sliced potatoes to the vegetable layer for a heartier meal.
- Marinate the fish for 30 minutes before baking for a more intense flavor.