Fish cooked in Sesame Sauce

Kuwaiti Fish Cooked in Sesame Sauce Recipe - Authentic & Flavorful

Region / culture: Kuwait | Preparation time: several hours | Cooking time: approximately 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Fish cooked in sesame sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the richness of tahini with the lightness of fish. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a gathering with friends and family.

History

This recipe has its origins in Middle Eastern cuisine, where tahini is a staple ingredient. The combination of tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil creates a creamy and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of fish.

Ingredients

1 fish weighing about 2 lb (907 g)
1.5 cups tahini
1.5 cups chopped onion
1 cup olive oil
0.75 cup lemon juice
1.25 tsp salt
water

How to prepare

Clean and salt the fish.
Refrigerate the fish for several hours.
Allow the fish to return to room temperature, sprinkle it with olive oil, and bake it in a moderate oven until the flesh seems to flake apart easily under a fork.
Meanwhile, fry the onions in olive oil until they turn yellow.
Slowly beat lemon juice and water into the taheeni, adding more lemon juice to taste if necessary.
The taheeni sauce will become very creamy.
Mix the onions into the sauce, pour it over the baked fish, and return it to the oven.
Bake the dish for about 20 minutes in a moderate oven.
Some of the sauce will be absorbed into the fish and the onions will be very well cooked.
Serve this dish cold.

Variations

Add chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro to the tahini sauce for added freshness.
Substitute the fish with chicken or tofu for a different twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to salt the fish before refrigerating it to enhance the flavor.

- Allow the fish to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

- Be sure to slowly beat the lemon juice and water into the tahini to create a creamy sauce.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fish cooked in sesame sauce with a side of rice or couscous and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, frying, and mixing are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute tahini with almond butter for a nutty flavor.

- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different citrusy taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tahini sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use. The fish can also be salted and refrigerated a day in advance.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a wedge of lemon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to complement the flavors.

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

Calories: 500 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 45g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Calcium: 100mg per serving

Alergens

Contains sesame

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, but it is high in calories and may not be suitable for those with sesame allergies.

Summary

Fish cooked in sesame sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. With a creamy tahini sauce and tender fish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small fishing village by the sea. My family had always been fishermen, and fresh fish was a staple in our household.

One day, a traveler came to our village and brought with him a new recipe for fish cooked in sesame sauce. He had learned it from a fisherman in a distant land, and he was kind enough to share it with us. As soon as I saw the ingredients and heard the method of cooking, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

The traveler showed me how to prepare the fish, marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, and then cook it in a hot skillet until it was tender and flaky. The aroma that filled the kitchen as the fish sizzled in the pan was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When it was finally ready, I took a bite and was immediately transported to a world of flavors and textures unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The sweetness of the sesame sauce paired perfectly with the savory fish, creating a harmonious balance of tastes that danced on my tongue.

From that moment on, I was determined to master the art of making fish cooked in sesame sauce. I spent hours in the kitchen, practicing and experimenting with different variations of the recipe until I had perfected it to my liking.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing down the knowledge and tradition of how to make this delicious dish. Each time I cook it, I am reminded of that fateful day when the traveler introduced me to the wonders of sesame sauce and opened my eyes to a whole new world of culinary delights.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And as I take a bite of the fish cooked in sesame sauce, I am filled with a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that I have truly mastered a recipe that has become a beloved tradition in my family for generations to come.