Zingy Moroccan Fish Tagine with Ginger & Saffron Recipe
Tantalizing aromas of Moroccan fish tagine with ginger & saffron waft through the kitchen, promising a culinary journey that transports you straight to North Africa.
Delicate fish meets a symphony of warm spices, creating a dish that dances with flavor and tradition.
saffron threads glimmer like golden strands, infusing the sauce with their distinctive, luxurious essence.
ginger adds a subtle kick that awakens every taste bud, complementing the tender fish perfectly.
Moroccan cooking celebrates bold combinations and vibrant ingredients that tell a story on each plate.
The tagine method ensures every morsel stays moist and deeply seasoned, connecting you to centuries of cooking wisdom.
Get ready to savor a Mediterranean masterpiece that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories: 420 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients for Moroccan Fish Tagine with Saffron
For Marinade and Herbs:For Vegetable Base:For Fish and Finishing:Tagine Cooking Equipment for a Flavorful Moroccan Dish
How to Make Moroccan Fish Tagine Step-by-Step
Create a vibrant green marinade blending fresh herbs, olive oil, and aromatic spices to infuse the fish with rich Moroccan flavors.
Develop a robust sauce by gently simmering chopped tomatoes with fragrant garlic and warm cumin, creating a thick and complex base.
Arrange a colorful layer of sliced carrots and onions in a baking dish, establishing a flavorful foundation for the fish.
Carefully place marinated fish fillets atop the vegetable layer, decorating with preserved lemon pieces and delicate lemon slices to enhance the Mediterranean essence.
Bake the tagine, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious dish that celebrates Moroccan culinary traditions.
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the completed tagine, serving alongside fluffy couscous for a complete and satisfying meal.
Flavor Upgrades for Ginger-Saffron Tagine
Ways to Serve Moroccan Fish
How to Store Fish Tagine Without Losing Zest
Print
Aromatic Moroccan Fish Tagine With Ginger & Saffron Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
Description
Succulent Moroccan fish tagine combines tender white fish with aromatic ginger and delicate saffron threads. Fragrant spices and preserved lemons create a complex, layered dining experience that transports you to North African culinary landscapes.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets fish (6 oz / 170 g, e.g., tilapia)
- 4 tomatoes, large
- 2 carrots, peeled, sliced diagonally ¼-inch
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 12 olives, green and/or black, pitted
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsps preserved lemon pulp
- 2 tsps sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 8 threads saffron, Spanish, crushed
- ¼ cup parsley, fresh, flat-leaf, minced
- 2 tbsps cilantro, fresh, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, large, pressed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley and/or cilantro leaves, fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk parsley, cilantro, olive oil, paprika, saffron, and ginger together in a spacious mixing bowl, incorporating fresh lemon juice to create a vibrant, aromatic blend.
- Fish Marination: Thoroughly coat fish fillets in the prepared marinade, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow flavor infusion, enabling deep seasoning.
- Tomato Sauce Development: Briefly blanch tomatoes to remove skin, then chop while preserving juice. Combine with garlic and cumin in a saucepan, simmering until the sauce thickens and reduces, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Vegetable Foundation: Layer thinly sliced carrots and onions in a ceramic baking dish, covering evenly with the prepared tomato sauce. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Fish Integration: Delicately place marinated fish fillets over the partially cooked vegetables, strategically positioning preserved lemon pulp and lemon slices around the fish.
- Final Baking: Continue baking uncovered for 20-25 minutes until fish becomes perfectly flaky and translucent, ensuring a tender, well-infused Moroccan culinary experience.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve alongside fluffy couscous, bringing the vibrant flavors of Morocco to the dining table.
Notes
- Marinating Magic: Allow fish to soak in zesty herbs and spices for 1-2 hours to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Tomato Technique: Blanch tomatoes briefly to remove skins easily, preserving natural juices for a rich, authentic sauce base.
- Temperature Precision: Maintain consistent 350°F oven temperature to ensure even cooking and prevent fish from becoming dry or overcooked.
- Herb Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs just before serving to elevate aroma and provide a vibrant, final flavor burst.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Rivera
Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor
Expertise
Education
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.