Chermoula Fish
A vibrant Moroccan dish featuring fresh fish marinated in a fragrant paste of cilantro, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, and olive oil, then roasted or grilled to perfection.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole fish (cleaned and scaled) or fish fillets (such as sea bass, snapper, cod, or salmon)(Ensure whole fish are gutted and scaled. For fillets, check for any remaining bones.)
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro, leaves and tender stems(Packed loosely.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley, leaves and tender stems(Packed loosely.)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(Peeled.)
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 2 tsp Sweet paprika
- 60 ml Fresh lemon juice(Approximately 2-3 tablespoons.)
- 120 ml Extra virgin olive oil(Approximately 1/2 cup.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Chermoula Paste: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh cilantro, parsley, peeled garlic cloves, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper. Process until a coarse paste forms. Scrape down the sides as needed. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Marinate the Fish: If using whole fish, make a few shallow slashes on both sides of the fish with a sharp knife. This helps the marinade penetrate. If using fillets, place them in a shallow dish. Generously coat the fish (inside and out for whole fish, and all over for fillets) with the chermoula paste, ensuring it gets into the slashes if applicable. Cover the dish or place the fish in a resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. Do not marinate for too long, as the lemon juice can start to 'cook' the fish.
⏱️ 1-2 hours - 3
Cook the Fish: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or prepare your grill for medium-high heat. If roasting, place the marinated fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a roasting pan. If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F). Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Chermoula paste can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's also excellent as a marinade for chicken, lamb, or vegetables.
- ✓This recipe works well with a variety of firm white fish, oily fish like salmon, or even shrimp.
- ✓For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chermoula for a touch of heat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Baked Chermoula Fish with Vegetables: Add sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives to the baking pan with the fish during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Chermoula Fish Skewers: Cut firm fish fillets into large cubes, thread onto skewers with chunks of bell pepper and onion, and grill until cooked through.