Aromatic Moroccan Fish Tagine With Ginger & Saffron Recipe

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:
  • Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herbs add vibrant, zesty flavor and beautiful green color to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates smooth, silky marinade coating.
  • Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet depth and beautiful reddish hue to the fish.
  • Saffron: Luxurious spice bringing golden color and delicate floral undertones.
  • Ginger: Provides subtle spicy kick and aromatic warmth to the marinade.
  • Lemon: Bright citrus that tenderizes fish and adds refreshing tanginess.
For Vegetable Base:
  • Carrots: Sweet, earthy vegetable that adds texture and natural sweetness.
  • Onions: Provides foundational flavor and soft, caramelized base for the tagine.
  • Tomatoes: Create rich, hearty sauce with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Garlic: Adds deep, pungent flavor and aromatic complexity to the sauce.
  • Cumin: Warming spice that brings traditional Moroccan depth and earthiness.
For Fish and Finishing:
  • White Fish Fillets: Delicate protein that absorbs marinade beautifully.
  • Preserved Lemon: Intense, concentrated citrus flavor unique to Moroccan cuisine.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance overall flavor profile.
  • Fresh Herbs: Bright garnish that adds final layer of freshness and color.
  • Couscous: Traditional accompaniment that perfectly soaks up tagine's flavorful sauce.

Tagine Cooking Equipment for a Flavorful Moroccan Dish

  • Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing herbs, spices, and marinating fish with aromatics and olive oil.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing lemon, chopping herbs, and preparing vegetables precisely.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for all ingredient preparation and chopping tasks.
  • Saucepan: Ideal for cooking tomato sauce with garlic and cumin until thickened.
  • Casserole Dish: Provides excellent baking surface for layering vegetables and fish.
  • Peeler or Paring Knife: Helpful for peeling tomatoes after blanching.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately portioning spices and herbs.
  • Colander: Optional for draining blanched tomatoes.

How to Make Moroccan Fish Tagine Step-by-Step

  • Herbal Marinade Preparation

Create a vibrant green marinade blending fresh herbs, olive oil, and aromatic spices to infuse the fish with rich Moroccan flavors.

  • Tomato Sauce Foundation

Develop a robust sauce by gently simmering chopped tomatoes with fragrant garlic and warm cumin, creating a thick and complex base.

  • Vegetable Bed

Arrange a colorful layer of sliced carrots and onions in a baking dish, establishing a flavorful foundation for the fish.

  • Fish and Citrus Crowning

Carefully place marinated fish fillets atop the vegetable layer, decorating with preserved lemon pieces and delicate lemon slices to enhance the Mediterranean essence.

  • Oven Transformation

Bake the tagine, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious dish that celebrates Moroccan culinary traditions.

  • Herbal Finish

Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the completed tagine, serving alongside fluffy couscous for a complete and satisfying meal.

Flavor Upgrades for Ginger-Saffron Tagine

  • Boost the heat by adding a pinch of harissa or red pepper flakes to the marinade for those who enjoy a spicier Moroccan-style dish.
  • Make your own preserved lemons at home by salt-curing fresh lemon slices for an authentic, intense citrus flavor that elevates the entire tagine.
  • Replace fish with thick slices of eggplant or firm tofu, adjusting cooking time to ensure vegetables are tender and well-seasoned with the aromatic spice mixture.
  • Transform this recipe into a complete one-pot wonder by adding chickpeas or potatoes to the vegetable base for extra nutrition and heartiness.

Ways to Serve Moroccan Fish

  • Pair with Fluffy Couscous: Serve the tender fish tagine over light, steamed couscous to soak up the rich, aromatic sauce and add a delightful texture to each bite.
  • Herb-Packed Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and cilantro on top for a burst of bright, fresh flavor that complements the deep, warm spices of the dish.
  • Create a Moroccan Feast: Accompany the tagine with warm, crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce and add a side of refreshing cucumber salad for a complete, balanced meal.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a Moroccan white to enhance the delicate fish and aromatic spices of the tagine.

How to Store Fish Tagine Without Losing Zest

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover fish tagine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Freeze for Later: Carefully transfer cooled tagine to freezer-safe containers, keeping vegetable base separate from fish to prevent texture breakdown. Freeze for maximum 1 month.
  • Reheat with Care: Gently warm refrigerated tagine in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent fish from drying out.
  • Portion and Pack: Divide remaining tagine into individual serving sizes for quick weekday lunches, making meal prep effortless and delicious.
Print
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Aromatic Moroccan Fish Tagine With Ginger & Saffron Recipe

Aromatic Moroccan Fish Tagine With Ginger & Saffron Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Fish Marination: Thoroughly coat fish fillets in the prepared marinade, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow flavor infusion, enabling deep seasoning.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Fish Integration: Delicately place marinated fish fillets over the partially cooked vegetables, strategically positioning preserved lemon pulp and lemon slices around the fish.
  6. Final Baking: Continue baking uncovered for 20-25 minutes until fish becomes perfectly flaky and translucent, ensuring a tender, well-infused Moroccan culinary experience.
  7. 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

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

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.

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