Classic Spicy Moroccan Fish in Rich Sauce!

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Experience the vibrant taste of Morocco with this Classic Spicy Moroccan Fish recipe. Featuring tender fish simmered in a deeply flavored tomato-based sauce with spices that awaken your palate, this dish is perfect served over couscous or rice. A delightful blend of warmth, spice, and rich flavors, it's an unforgettable meal that brings a taste of North Africa to your kitchen.

Erin Wallace

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2025-12-02T12:01:21.740Z

This dish is a tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Morocco. It's not just a meal; it's a journey through aromatic spices and fresh ingredients.

A Taste of Morocco

Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. This Classic Spicy Moroccan Fish recipe brings the essence of North Africa straight to your dinner table. The blend of cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper creates a warm and inviting dish that is both satisfying and full of character. As the ingredients meld together, they create a sauce that's rich and vibrant, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.

Fish is a staple in Moroccan cooking, often paired with robust sauces that highlight its delicate flavor. This recipe not only showcases the fresh taste of white fish but also enhances it with a rich tomato base that infuses the dish with the essence of Moroccan herbs and spices. It's a great way to introduce a taste of other cultures into your cooking repertoire.

Health Benefits of Fish

Including fish in your diet provides numerous health benefits. Fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health. By preparing fish in a sauce packed with vegetables and spices, you enhance your meal's nutritional profile significantly. This Classic Spicy Moroccan Fish will nourish your body while tantalizing your taste buds.

Additionally, the spices used in this recipe offer their own set of health benefits. For instance, cumin has been shown to aid digestion, while paprika is rich in antioxidants. By combining these wholesome ingredients, you create a dish that not only excites the palate but also contributes to your overall well-being.

Serving Suggestions

To complement the rich, spicy flavors of the fish, serve it over a fluffy bed of couscous or steaming rice. Both options absorb the sauce beautifully, ensuring you don’t miss out on a single morsel of flavor. Consider adding a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad to balance the meal and provide a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the spices.

For an extra touch, drizzle some lemon juice over the finished dish just before serving. The acidity brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish that pairs wonderfully with the spices and richness of the sauce. Enjoy this dish as part of a communal meal, allowing everyone to share in the delightful experience of a classic Moroccan feast!

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the fish

  • 4 pieces of white fish fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Serve this dish with couscous or rice for a complete meal.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper, cooking until soft. Stir in the garlic and spices, cooking until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Fish

Place the fish fillets in the sauce, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over couscous or rice.

Enjoy your meal with a side of Moroccan bread.

Cooking Tips

When selecting fish for this recipe, try to choose fresh fillets from sustainable sources. White fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia works well due to its delicate texture, which absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce. Ensure the fish is thawed properly if using frozen fillets—this prevents it from becoming rubbery during cooking.

To enhance the flavor further, consider marinating the fish for a short period in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices before adding it to the sauce. This will infuse the fish with additional depth and create a more complex flavor profile once cooked.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop as the dish sits, making it even more delicious the next day. To reheat, gently warm the fish and sauce in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

For those who want to store the dish for a longer period, consider freezing portions. After cooking, let the fish cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen fish?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for tomatoes?

You can use tomato paste or diced tomatoes, adjusting the quantity to taste.

Classic Spicy Moroccan Fish in Rich Sauce!

Experience the vibrant taste of Morocco with this Classic Spicy Moroccan Fish recipe. Featuring tender fish simmered in a deeply flavored tomato-based sauce with spices that awaken your palate, this dish is perfect served over couscous or rice. A delightful blend of warmth, spice, and rich flavors, it's an unforgettable meal that brings a taste of North Africa to your kitchen.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Erin Wallace

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the fish

  1. 4 pieces of white fish fillets
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 1 onion, finely chopped
  4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  6. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  7. 1 teaspoon paprika
  8. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  9. 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. Fresh cilantro for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper, cooking until soft. Stir in the garlic and spices, cooking until fragrant.

Step 02

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 03

Place the fish fillets in the sauce, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.

Step 04

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over couscous or rice.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 25g