Samak Mifa (Grilled Fish with Spices)
Samak Mifa is a traditional Saudi dish from the southern coastal regions, particularly Asir and Jazan. It features fish marinated in local spices, garlic, and lemon juice, then grilled over an open flame, imparting a smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional Bedouin cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole white fish (e.g., Sea Bream, Snapper)(cleaned and scaled)
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1.5 tsp Cumin(ground)
- 1 tsp Coriander(ground)
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade by combining lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- 2
Rub the marinade all over the cleaned and scaled fish, ensuring it is well coated both inside and out. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- 3
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- 4
Place the marinated fish on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
- 5
Drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the fish is completely dry before marinating for better spice adhesion.
- ✓For an authentic smoky flavor, use charcoal for grilling.
- ✓Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Stuff the fish cavity with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before grilling.