Iranian-style Grilled Fish with Rice Noodles

Ingredients

While the original Vietnamese Bún chả cá features a combination of grilled fish, rice noodles, and Vietnamese herbs, this Iranian adaptation incorporates traditional Iranian spices and flavors. The marinade for the fish includes ingredients commonly found in Iranian cuisine, such as saffron, turmeric, and sumac. Additionally, the dressing is made with ingredients like pomegranate molasses and yogurt, which are popular in Iranian cooking. We alse have the original recipe for Bún chả cá, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground sumac 1 teaspoon ground sumac
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 250g (8.8 oz) rice noodles 250g (8.8 oz) rice noodles
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, turmeric, cumin, coriander, sumac, saffron, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
3. 3.
   Brush the fish fillets with the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Grill the fish fillets for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   In a large serving bowl, arrange the cooked rice noodles, grilled fish fillets, cucumber slices, and red onion slices.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh mint leaves and cilantro leaves.
8. 8.
   Serve the Iranian-style Grilled Fish with Rice Noodles with a side of tangy pomegranate molasses and yogurt dressing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Ensure the fish fillets are fresh and of high quality for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can soak the fish in milk for 30 minutes before marinating.
• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and color, soak the saffron threads in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the marinade.

Tips & Tricks

• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the fish fillets in a hot skillet or bake them in the oven.
• For added flavor, marinate the fish fillets for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite Iranian herbs, such as dill or parsley, to the garnish.

Serving advice

Serve the Iranian-style Grilled Fish with Rice Noodles as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany it with a side of pomegranate molasses and yogurt dressing for a tangy and creamy contrast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled fish fillets on top of the rice noodles and garnish with fresh mint and cilantro leaves. Place the cucumber and red onion slices around the dish to add color and freshness. Drizzle the pomegranate molasses and yogurt dressing over the fish just before serving for an attractive presentation.