Spiced Moroccan Fish Kebabs
Experience the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine with these tantalizing Spiced Fish Kebabs. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon juice, this dish features tender pieces of firm white fish that are grilled to perfection. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner with friends, these kebabs are best served with a side of harissa or hot red pepper sauce and fluffy bread to soak up the delicious juices. Enjoy a taste of Morocco from the comfort of your home!
4
Servings
180
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Firm white fish fillets
1.5 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes (porgy, monkfish, cod, etc.))
Onion
1/2 (grated)
Garlic clove
1 (peeled and finely chopped)
Olive oil
3-4 tablespoons (none)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Fresh Italian parsley
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Powdered saffron
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the firm white fish fillets into 1-inch cubes, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated onion, finely chopped garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, chopped parsley, paprika, turmeric, powdered saffron, cayenne pepper, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
3
Gently add the cubed fish to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to permeate the fish.
4
After marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated fish cubes onto metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every couple of minutes to ensure the fish cooks evenly and does not burn. The kebabs are done when all sides are lightly browned and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6
Serve warm with harissa or hot red pepper sauce and thick, crusty bread for a delightful Moroccan feast.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
4g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Moroccan Fish Kebabs?
Spiced Moroccan Fish Kebabs are tender pieces of firm white fish marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection.
What type of fish is best for these Moroccan kebabs?
You should use firm white fish fillets such as porgy, monkfish, or cod. These varieties hold their shape well on skewers during grilling.
How should the fish be cut for grilling?
The fish should be cut into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking across all pieces.
What ingredients are in the Moroccan fish marinade?
The marinade consists of grated onion, chopped garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh cilantro, Italian parsley, paprika, turmeric, powdered saffron, cayenne pepper, and salt.
How long should I marinate the fish?
For the best flavor, marinate the fish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the spices and herbs to permeate the meat.
Can I marinate the fish for too long?
Because the marinade contains lemon juice, which is acidic, marinating for too long (over 4-6 hours) may cause the fish texture to become mushy.
Are these fish kebabs very spicy?
They have a mild to moderate heat profile depending on the cayenne pepper; however, they are more aromatic and flavorful than intensely spicy.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for the best results when cooking these fish skewers.
How long does it take to grill the fish kebabs?
The kebabs typically take about 10 to 12 minutes to cook, depending on the heat of your grill.
How often should I turn the skewers while grilling?
You should turn the skewers every couple of minutes to ensure the fish cooks evenly and to prevent it from burning.
How can I tell when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when all sides are lightly browned and the meat flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What kind of skewers should I use?
The recipe recommends using metal skewers, which are durable and do not require soaking like wooden ones.
What should I serve with Spiced Moroccan Fish Kebabs?
These kebabs are best served with harissa or a hot red pepper sauce and thick, crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh cilantro and parsley?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in a smaller quantity (about one-third the amount), though the taste will be less vibrant.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
One serving of these fish kebabs contains approximately 180 calories.
How much protein is in these fish kebabs?
Each serving provides about 21 grams of protein.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, each serving contains only about 4 grams of carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 10 grams of fat per serving, mostly coming from the heart-healthy olive oil and the fish.
Do I need to peel the garlic?
Yes, the garlic clove should be peeled and then finely chopped before being added to the marinade.
Is saffron necessary for this recipe?
Saffron provides a unique earthy flavor and yellow color characteristic of Moroccan cuisine. If unavailable, you can omit it, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I cook these kebabs in the oven?
Yes, if you do not have a grill, you can broil them in the oven for a similar charred effect, turning them frequently.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need between 3 and 4 tablespoons of olive oil for the marinade.
What is the purpose of the turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric adds a warm, bitter flavor and a vibrant golden-yellow color to the fish.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute, though lemon juice is more traditional for Moroccan seafood dishes.
Should the onion be chopped or grated?
The onion should be grated, which allows its juices to mix better into the marinade and coat the fish more thoroughly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The fish and marinade themselves are gluten-free, but if you serve them with the suggested bread, the meal will contain gluten.
Can I add vegetables like bell peppers to the skewers?
Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes between the fish cubes is a great way to add more texture and nutrition.
What does the cayenne pepper add to the dish?
Cayenne pepper provides a subtle heat that complements the other aromatic spices like paprika and saffron.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover fish kebabs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days.