Samaki wa Kupaka na Nazi
A coastal Tanzanian delicacy featuring grilled fish coated in a flavorful marinade and served with a rich, creamy coconut sauce. This dish highlights the fresh seafood and aromatic spices characteristic of Swahili cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized Whole fish(cleaned (e.g., red snapper, tilapia, or barracuda))
- 1 tsp Garlic paste
- 1 tsp Ginger paste
- 0.5 tsp Red chili powder(adjust to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Turmeric powder
- 5 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 cup Coconut cream
- 1 tsp Red chili powder(for sauce, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder(for sauce)
- 1 tsp Garlic paste(for sauce)
- Salt(to taste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for grilling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Clean the fish thoroughly. Make diagonal slits on both sides of the fish.
💡 Tip: Asking your fishmonger to clean and descale the fish can save time. - 2
In a bowl, combine garlic paste, ginger paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and lemon juice. Rub this marinade all over the fish, ensuring it gets into the slits. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- 3
Prepare the coconut sauce: In a saucepan, combine coconut cream, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garlic paste, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to let the sauce burn. - 4
Heat vegetable oil in a grill pan or on an outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated fish for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
- 5
Once the fish is grilled, place it on a serving platter. Pour the prepared coconut sauce generously over the grilled fish.
💡 Tip: You can also brush some sauce onto the fish while it's grilling for extra flavor. - 6
Serve hot, ideally with rice, ugali, or a side of kachumbari (tomato and onion relish).
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh fish for the best flavor and texture.
- ✓Adjust chili levels in both the marinade and sauce to your preference.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish to keep it moist.
🔄 Variations
- Instead of grilling, you can pan-sear the fish fillets.
- Add a tablespoon of tamarind paste to the coconut sauce for a tangy flavor.