Fish Baked In Sesame Sauce(Samak Bi Tartour)
Baked fish in a rich sesame sauce with lemon and onion, offering a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean and salt the fish fillets.
- Rub the fish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 15 minutes until the fish flakes when tested with a fork.
- Gradually stir lemon juice and water into the tahineh until smooth.
- Fry chopped onion in 3 tablespoons of olive oil until yellow.
- Pour the tahineh sauce and cooked onion over the baked fish.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider seasoning the fish fillets with herbs like dill or parsley before baking. If tahineh is unavailable, you can substitute with peanut butter or almond butter for a different nutty flavor. Adjust the lemon juice according to your taste preference, and if you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tahineh sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious served hot or cold, making it versatile for any occasion. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. It also goes well with Mediterranean recipes like Fish With Zucchini And Red Pepper or alongside rice or couscous to soak up the tahineh sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving is also an option, but be cautious not to overcook the fish, as it can become rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fish Baked In Sesame Sauce(Samak Bi Tartour) contains roughly 289 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1493mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cleaning and seasoning. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the marinade better.
What type of fish works best for baking in sesame sauce?
Firm white fish such as cod, tilapia, or haddock work best for this recipe. They hold their shape well during baking and complement the sesame flavor of the tahineh sauce beautifully.
Can I make the tahineh sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tahineh sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).