Spicy Fried Flounder with Zucchini & Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Tunisia with this enticing dish featuring crispy fried flounder and tender zucchini, all drenched in a robust, spicy tomato sauce. The dish boasts a delightful combination of textures and tastes that are sure to please your palate. The zucchinis are beautifully fried to golden perfection, while the harissa-infused tomato sauce adds a spicy kick that complements the fish. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring a slice of North African cuisine to your table.
4
Servings
300
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
fish fillets (flounder or sole)
4 (washed and dried)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
lemons
2 (juiced)
flour
1/2 cup
breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
paprika
1/2 teaspoon
olive oil
1/4 cup (for frying zucchini)
zucchini
3 (peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
canned tomato sauce
2 cups
harissa
1/2-1 teaspoon (adjust based on spice preference)
garlic
1/2 teaspoon (finely chopped)
salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
egg
1 (beaten)
canola oil
for frying (enough to cover the bottom of the skillet)
Instructions
1
Start by washing and drying the fish fillets. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the fillets and set them aside to marinate.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, and paprika. Mix well and set aside.
3
Peel the zucchinis and slice them into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Lightly coat the zucchini rounds with the flour mixture and fry them in the hot olive oil until they are golden brown on both sides. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
4
In the same frying pan, add the chopped onion to the remaining olive oil and sauté until softened. Pour in the canned tomato sauce along with the harissa, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to cook uncovered over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Towards the end, squeeze in the juice of the remaining lemon to enhance the sauce's flavor.
5
While the tomato sauce simmers, heat canola oil in a separate skillet until it reaches frying temperature (about 1/2 inch deep). Take each marinated fish fillet and dip it first into the flour mixture, followed by the beaten egg, and then back into the flour mixture for a crispy coating.
6
Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil and fry until golden and flaky, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, drain the fillets on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7
To serve, arrange the crispy fried fish and zucchini on a shallow serving dish, generously topping them with the spicy tomato sauce.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
25g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Fried Flounder with Zucchini & Tomato Sauce?
It is a vibrant Tunisian dish featuring crispy fried flounder and tender zucchini drenched in a robust, spicy harissa-infused tomato sauce.
What kind of fish is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 4 fish fillets of flounder or sole.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the calorie counts for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What are the main ingredients for the spicy tomato sauce?
The sauce is made with canned tomato sauce, harissa, onion, garlic, and lemon juice.
Is this dish considered spicy?
Yes, the harissa-infused tomato sauce adds a spicy kick that can be adjusted based on your preference.
How should I prepare the fish fillets before cooking?
Wash and dry the fillets, season them with salt and pepper, and marinate them in the juice of one lemon.
What is the coating for the fried fish and zucchini?
A mixture of 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika is used for coating.
How thick should the zucchini be sliced?
The zucchini should be peeled and sliced into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
What oil is used to fry the zucchini?
Olive oil (1/4 cup) is used for frying the zucchini rounds.
How do you prepare the tomato sauce?
Sauté chopped onion in olive oil, then add tomato sauce, harissa, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
When should the lemon juice be added to the sauce?
Squeeze in the juice of the remaining lemon towards the end of the sauce's simmering time.
What is the specific breading process for the fish?
Dip each marinated fillet into the flour mixture, then into a beaten egg, and back into the flour mixture for a crispy coating.
What type of oil is suggested for frying the fish?
Canola oil is used for frying the fish, filled to a depth of about 1/2 inch in a skillet.
How long should the fish fillets be fried?
The fillets should be fried until golden and flaky, which takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
What are the nutritional macros per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein.
What origin of cuisine does this dish represent?
This dish is a slice of North African cuisine, specifically from Tunisia.
Is it necessary to peel the zucchini?
Yes, the instructions specify to peel the zucchinis before slicing them into rounds.
How much harissa should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of harissa, depending on your preferred spice level.
How do I serve the finished Spicy Fried Flounder?
Arrange the crispy fish and fried zucchini on a shallow serving dish and top them generously with the spicy tomato sauce.
What should I do with the zucchini after frying?
Transfer the fried zucchini rounds to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
How much garlic is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic.
Can I use a different type of fish?
While flounder and sole are recommended, any similar thin, flaky white fish fillets will work well.
What seasonings are added to the flour mixture?
The flour mixture is combined with breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
How much onion is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How many lemons are needed in total?
The recipe requires 2 lemons: one for marinating the fish and one for the sauce.
What is the purpose of the paper towels in this recipe?
They are used to drain excess oil from both the fried zucchini and the fried fish fillets.
Is this a good recipe for a summer dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer dish and is described as perfect for sharing.
How much tomato sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of canned tomato sauce.
What tags define this recipe's profile?
Tags include fried fish, zucchini, spicy tomato sauce, African cuisine, Tunisian, fish recipe, summer dish, and easy cooking.