Nauru Coconut Crusted Fish
A popular Nauruan dish featuring white fish fillets coated in a crispy crust of flour, egg, and shredded coconut, often marinated in lime juice for a tangy finish. This dish highlights the abundant local resources of fish and coconut.
🧂 Ingredients
- 900 g White fish fillets(such as cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi)
- 60 ml Lime juice(freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Salt(to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs(beaten)
- 2 cups Shredded coconut(unsweetened, or freshly grated)
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a shallow bowl, combine lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the fish fillets and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes, turning once.
- 2
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the shredded coconut.
- 3
Remove a fish fillet from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge it in the flour, ensuring it's evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- 4
Dip the floured fillet into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- 5
Finally, coat the fillet with shredded coconut, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
- 6
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coconut-crusted fish fillets in the skillet.
💡 Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve a crispy crust, but not so hot that it burns the coconut quickly. - 7
Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- 8
Remove the fish from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with lime wedges.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using freshly grated coconut will provide a more intense coconut flavor and a better texture.
- ✓Ensure the fish is patted dry before marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate better.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; cook in batches if necessary to maintain oil temperature and ensure even crisping.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour for a touch of heat.
- Serve with a side of white rice or a simple green salad.