Moroccan Stuffed Fish
A vibrant, aromatic dish featuring tender white fish fillets packed with a zesty herb and spice stuffing, simmered in a rich, sun-drenched tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- •4 large white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or sea bass)
- •1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- •1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- •4 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- •1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- •3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •2 tablespoons lemon juice
- •1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- •1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, parsley, half of the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and lemon juice to create the herb stuffing.
- 2
Lay the fish fillets flat and spread a generous tablespoon of the herb mixture over each fillet, then roll them up or fold them over and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- 3
In a wide skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat and sauté the sliced bell peppers and remaining garlic until softened.
- 4
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 5
Carefully nestle the stuffed fish fillets into the tomato sauce, cover the skillet, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- 6
Remove the toothpicks before serving and spoon the sauce over the fish.
💡 Chef tips
- Use firm white fish like cod or halibut to ensure the fillets hold their shape well during the stuffing and cooking process.
- For a deeper flavor, prepare the herb stuffing an hour in advance to allow the garlic and spices to infuse the greens.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should feature succulent, herb-infused fish nestled in a thick, fragrant tomato sauce that smells of garlic and warm spices, with a perfect balance of acidity and savory depth.