Dorinda's Special Baked Fish

Dorinda's Special Baked Fish Recipe from Ghana with Pompano, Ginger, Garlic, and More

Region / culture: Ghana | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Dorinda's Special Baked Fish is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines fresh fish with a spicy seasoning paste and succulent crabmeat. This dish is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavors and presentation.

History

This recipe is a family favorite that has been passed down through generations. Dorinda, the creator of this dish, was known for her culinary skills and love for seafood. She developed this recipe to showcase the fresh flavors of the fish and enhance them with the bold flavors of ginger, garlic, and chiles.

Ingredients

4 fresh pompano or red snapper
3 tbsp peeled and finely grated fresh ginger
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 fresh red chiles, mashed into a pulp
salt
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic salt
0.75 cup of fresh or canned crabmeat
4 cooked crayfish tails (optional)
chile sambal
semolina dumplings or cornmeal dumplings

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C.
Scale and clean the fish, removing the gills, fins, and tails.
Lay the fish flat on a chopping board and make 2 deep but short diagonal cuts on each side, leaving 0.5 inch between the cuts.
Prepare the seasoning by mixing ginger, garlic, chiles, and salt into a paste. Stuff some of the paste into the cuts on both sides of each fish.
Rub the remaining seasoning paste all over the fish.
Rub butter over 4 pieces of aluminum foil.
Place each piece of fish on a piece of foil and sprinkle a bit of garlic salt over each piece.
Loosely wrap up the foil to form parcels and bake for 30 minutes.
Wrap the crabmeat in foil and warm it in the oven for 10 minutes.
Unwrap the baked fish and sprinkle the warm crabmeat over each piece.
Serve each person a piece of fish and a crayfish tail, accompanied by chili sambal and dumplings.

Variations

Substitute the pompano or red snapper with any other firm white fish, such as cod or halibut.
Add diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the seasoning paste for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to scale and clean the fish thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.

- Use fresh ingredients for the seasoning paste to ensure maximum flavor.

- Wrapping the fish in foil helps to lock in moisture and steam, resulting in a tender and juicy final dish.

- Serve the fish immediately after baking to enjoy it at its best.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dorinda's Special Baked Fish with a side of cornmeal dumplings and a spicy chili sambal for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, steaming

Ingredient Substitutions

Use shrimp or lobster meat instead of crabmeat for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute the chiles with chili powder or hot sauce for a milder heat level.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the seasoning paste and clean the fish in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Dorinda's Special Baked Fish on a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete and visually appealing dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Dorinda's Special Baked Fish with a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the spicy flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dorinda's Special Baked Fish contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dorinda's Special Baked Fish contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dorinda's Special Baked Fish contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Dorinda's Special Baked Fish contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Dorinda's Special Baked Fish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (crabmeat) and may not be suitable for individuals with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Dorinda's Special Baked Fish is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is perfect for a healthy and balanced meal.

Summary

Dorinda's Special Baked Fish is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. With its bold flavors and succulent crabmeat topping, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe. It was a sunny summer day, and I was visiting my friend Dorinda at her cozy little cottage by the sea. Dorinda was an amazing cook, and she had promised to make me her special baked fish for dinner that evening.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most delicious aroma. Dorinda was busy chopping fresh herbs and squeezing lemons, her hands moving with practiced ease. I watched in awe as she prepared the fish, coating it in a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and butter before popping it into the oven.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of Dorinda's special baked fish and my taste buds were instantly transported to a culinary paradise. The fish was perfectly tender and moist, with a crispy golden crust that melted in my mouth. The flavors were a symphony of herbs and spices, each one complementing the next in perfect harmony.

I couldn't help but ask Dorinda for the recipe, knowing that I had to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. She smiled and handed me a well-worn piece of paper, stained with splashes of fish juice and butter. As I read over the ingredients and instructions, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Dorinda's special baked fish countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, receiving nothing but rave reviews in return. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that I am always proud to serve.

I often think back to that day at Dorinda's cottage, and how her special baked fish sparked a passion for cooking in me. I am grateful for the knowledge and inspiration that she shared with me, and I will always hold her recipe close to my heart.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and impressive dish to serve to your loved ones, look no further than Dorinda's special baked fish. I promise that it will not disappoint, and it may even become a cherished recipe in your own collection. Just remember to cook with love and passion, and the results will always be extraordinary.