Recipe

Lakerda with Citrus Marinade

Zesty Lakerda: A Burst of Citrus in Turkish Delight

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Turkish cuisine with this delightful recipe for Lakerda. Marinated in a tangy citrus blend, this dish showcases the traditional Turkish technique of preserving fish.

Pickling› Lakerda

Asian cuisine› Arab cuisine› Turkish cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

N/A (Marinating time: 24 hours)

Total time

24 hours and 30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Pescatarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low carb, Mediterranean diet

Allergens

Fish

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, Nut-free

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) bonito fish fillets 500g (1.1 lb) bonito fish fillets
1 cup (240ml) lemon juice 1 cup (240ml) lemon juice
1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
1/4 cup (60ml) grapefruit juice 1/4 cup (60ml) grapefruit juice
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 1g
Protein: 23g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.9g

Preparation

1.
Rinse the bonito fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2.
Sprinkle salt evenly over both sides of the fish fillets and let them sit for 30 minutes to cure.
3.
In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
4.
Place the cured fish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
5.
After marinating, remove the fish fillets from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
6.
Slice the Lakerda into thin strips and serve chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Bonito fish — Ensure that the fish fillets are fresh and of high quality. Look for firm and shiny fillets with no strong fishy odor.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Serve Lakerda with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added freshness.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of citrus juice in the marinade.

Serving advice

Serve Lakerda as an appetizer or part of a mezze platter. Accompany it with fresh bread, olives, and sliced cucumbers for a complete Turkish dining experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced Lakerda on a platter, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. The vibrant pink color of the fish will make for an eye-catching presentation.