Turkmen-Style Grilled Fish

Ingredients

In Turkmen-Style Grilled Fish, we have adapted the traditional Iraqi dish, Masgouf, to suit the flavors and ingredients of Turkmen cuisine. While Masgouf is typically prepared with Tigris River fish and Iraqi spices, our recipe uses freshwater fish commonly found in Turkmenistan and incorporates the distinct flavors of Turkmen cuisine, such as cumin and coriander. We alse have the original recipe for Masgouf, so you can check it out.

• 2 whole freshwater fish (such as carp or catfish), cleaned and scaled 2 whole freshwater fish (such as carp or catfish), cleaned and scaled
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Place the cleaned and scaled fish on a large plate or tray. Score the fish on both sides with shallow diagonal cuts.
4. 4.
   Pour the marinade over the fish, making sure to coat it evenly. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
5. 5.
   Place the marinated fish on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
6. 6.
   Remove the grilled fish from the heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley.
7. 7.
   Serve the Turkmen-Style Grilled Fish hot with fragrant rice or flatbread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Freshwater fish — Ensure that the fish is fresh and properly cleaned before marinating and grilling.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor.
• Coriander — Use freshly ground coriander seeds for the best flavor.
• Turmeric — Be cautious while handling turmeric as it can stain surfaces and clothing.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the fish in a mixture of lemon juice and salt for 10 minutes before marinating can help reduce any fishy odor.
• Basting the fish with the marinade while grilling will enhance the flavors.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Serve the grilled fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Experiment with different types of freshwater fish to find your favorite variation of Turkmen-Style Grilled Fish.

Serving advice

Serve Turkmen-Style Grilled Fish hot, accompanied by fragrant rice or flatbread. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled fish on a large platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh parsley. Serve with a side of fragrant rice or flatbread. The vibrant colors of the fish and the garnish will make for an enticing presentation.