Samak Mashwi Jeddah Style (Spiced Grilled Fish)
A popular Jeddah-style grilled fish dish, this recipe enhances the classic preparation with a vibrant blend of Saudi spices, creating a smoky, aromatic, and succulent seafood experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Whole fish(such as sea bream or snapper, cleaned and scaled)
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tsp Cumin powder
- 1.5 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the cleaned fish dry with paper towels. Make several deep diagonal slits on both sides of each fish.
💡 Tip: Drying the fish helps the skin crisp up. - 2
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the spice paste.
💡 Tip: Adjust cayenne pepper for desired heat level. - 3
Rub the spice paste generously all over the fish, making sure to get some into the slits and cavities.
💡 Tip: Allowing the fish to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes enhances flavor. - 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with gray ash.
💡 Tip: Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. - 5
Place the marinated fish directly on the hot grill grates. Grill for about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish, until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Avoid moving the fish too much while grilling to ensure good grill marks and prevent it from breaking apart. - 6
Carefully remove the grilled fish from the grill.
💡 Tip: Use a wide spatula or fish spatula for easy removal. - 7
Transfer the fish to a serving platter. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and cilantro.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs add brightness and aroma. - 8
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
💡 Tip: Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the fish before eating is highly recommended.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose fresh, high-quality fish for the best results.
- ✓If you don't have a grill, you can bake the fish in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- ✓For a smoky flavor without a grill, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the spice blend.
🔄 Variations
- Add thinly sliced onions and tomatoes inside the fish cavity before grilling.
- Serve with a side of tahini sauce or a spicy tomato salsa.