Liberian Baked Fish with Vegetables
A flavorful and healthy dish featuring whole fish baked with a medley of traditional Liberian vegetables and spices, creating a moist and aromatic meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole Tilapia or other white fish(cleaned and scaled)
- 2 medium Onions(sliced)
- 2 medium Bell peppers (various colors)(sliced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (optional, for heat))
- 4 tbsp Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley or cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Lime or lemon juice
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated for even cooking. - 2
Score the sides of the fish with a knife. Season the inside and outside of the fish with salt and pepper.
- 3
In a large bowl, combine sliced onions, bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using).
- 4
Add palm oil (or vegetable oil), tomato paste, salt, and black pepper to the vegetable mixture. Mix well to coat everything.
- 5
Place one whole fish in a baking dish. Stuff the cavity with some of the vegetable mixture. Spread the remaining vegetable mixture over and around the fish.
💡 Tip: Ensure vegetables are evenly distributed for consistent flavor. - 6
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
- 7
Bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
💡 Tip: Baking uncovered for the last part helps to brown the vegetables slightly. - 8
Drizzle with lime or lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓You can add other vegetables like okra or eggplant to the mix.
- ✓Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
🔄 Variations
- Use a whole snapper or sea bass instead of tilapia.
- Add a few bay leaves to the vegetable mixture for extra aroma.
- Serve with a side of Liberian rice or boiled yams.