Are you excited to join me on a culinary adventure featuring a delicious baked fish in tahini sauce? Let’s explore the diverse and wonderful world of food that brings people together. Come along with me on this heartwarming journey. A journey of resilience, determination, and generosity that all started with a simple recipe quest! We’ll discover the rich flavors and unique ingredients that make up this mouth-watering Middle Eastern dish. We will also learn the moving story of a Syrian refugee who is behind the creation of this dish.
I had the chance to experience a unique event when I went for a business lunch with my client at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Las Vegas. The former Syrian refugee chef there cooked made fish in tahini sauce which made it an unforgettable memory. The dish’s remarkable combination of flavors captivated me instantly, making the food simply scrumptious. As we enjoyed our meal, one of the servers dropped a tray of food, causing a bit of commotion in the restaurant.
Despite the small hiccup, we continued to savor the flavors of the meal and engage in conversation. At the end of the meal, I couldn’t stop myself from inquiring the server about the recipe. Initially, he was reluctant to share it with me, citing reasons such as it being a secret family recipe or too complex for an inexperienced person. Despite the initial reluctance, I persevered and eventually managed to get them to divulge the recipe.
The baked fish in tahini sauce recipe was straightforward and uncomplicated, yet the flavors were complicated and intricate. I was excited to experience the delectable dish in my own kitchen. At the beginning of your cooking, you will require one sliced onion and four fish fillets, each weighing between four to five ounces. It is important to make sure that the fillets are all around the same size so they cook evenly. Season the fish fillets with an even sprinkling of 1 teaspoon of herbs de Provence or thyme, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can adjust the level of flavor by adding more or less seasoning according to your preference. Next, pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top and then add 2 tablespoons of either lemon juice or white wine, if desired for added flavor.
Mix together 1/2 cup of sesame tahini, between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of hot water, and two finely chopped garlic cloves in a bowl to create the base for the tahini sauce. After combining them, add two tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice as well as one tablespoon of finely chopped parsley, and a pinch of cayenne. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together until they form a smooth and creamy texture. Make sure to season with salt and pepper, using kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for best results, adjusting the amounts as desired.
Once you have the fish fillets and tahini sauce prepared, preheat your oven to 375°F. Carefully place the fish fillets in a baking dish, ensuring each piece is evenly spaced apart. Finally, generously pour the tahini sauce over the top of them. Make sure that all of the pieces are coated with a layer of the sauce before baking. Bake the fish in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked all the way through and the tahini sauce has a golden brown hue on top. The time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye out to make sure you don’t overcook it.
To serve this dish, you can pair it with a side of steamed white or brown rice, couscous, or quinoa. All three options are great accompaniments that will enhance the flavor and add interesting textures to your meal. A delicious side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans would make a marvelous accompaniment to any meal. Why not take it up a notch and serve pita bread or a salad with it too? That way, you can create an even more wholesome and filling dinner.
I didn’t anticipate the conversation that occurred afterward, but it warmed my heart. The chef, who had fled Syria as a refugee, shared again the story of resilience and determination. He had come to the United States with no possessions but the clothes he wore and a profound feeling of gratefulness for the chances this nation had given him.
When I departed the restaurant that day, I was very eager to recreate the recipe at home. 3 days later, I got together all of the ingredients needed and began cooking in my kitchen. It took quite a while and demanded considerable perseverance, but the ultimate outcome made it all worthwhile. The intense flavor of the dish astounded me, and all the ingredients had been perfectly combined. Every mouthful created a stronger bond between myself, the person who originally prepared it, and the culture from which it originated.
Here is the recipe for the authentic baked fish in tahini sauce that you can recreate in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the fish:
- 1 sliced onion
- 4 fish fillets weighing between 4 to 5 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon of herbs de Provence or thyme
- Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to your desired level of flavor
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- If desired, add 2 tablespoons of either lemon juice or white wine
For the tahini sauce:
- 1/2 cup sesame tahini
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup hot water
- 2 finely chopped garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- Pinch of cayenne
- Add salt and pepper (kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper preferred)
How to make baked fish in tahini sauce?
- Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a baking pan with a layer of oil.
- Spread the chopped onion over the pan and set the fish fillets on top of them.
- Season the fillets with herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Then add a dash of olive oil and lemon juice to finish.
- Cook the fish in the oven for 10 minutes or until it flakes apart with a fork.
- While the fish is in the oven, combine tahini and 1/4 cup of hot water in a bowl and whisk until it forms a thick and creamy consistency.
- Mix the tahini with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and cayenne pepper. Add also kosher salt and black pepper. Blend all ingredients together by whisking.
- If needed, add some hot water until the sauce gets to the texture you want.
- Once the fish has been cooked, cover it with the pre-made sauce.
Do you want a unique twist on your baked fish in tahini sauce? After laying the fish fillets on top of the onions in the baking pan, place a layer of thinly sliced lemons on top of the fillets before sprinkling them with herbs and seasoning. The lemons will infuse the fish with a bright and tangy flavor. You could also add some sliced fennel or bell peppers for additional flavor and color!
Additionally, you could make a variation of the sauce by replacing the tahini with miso paste and adding a bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. This will create a unique and delicious umami flavor that pairs well with the fish.
I’m glad I could share this baked fish in tahini sauce recipe with you. It’s always exciting to try out new recipes and flavors in the kitchen. So don’t be afraid to get creative with different ingredients and seasonings to make them your own. Cooking can be a fun and fulfilling experience, so enjoy the process and have fun with it!