If you are craving a flavorful coastal dish with the perfect balance of spice and tang, this Konkani style grilled fish is a must-try. Tender sea bass fillets are marinated in freshly ground Konkani masala made with coconut, spices, and herbs, then grilled until golden and served with a refreshing orange salad. This traditional recipe captures the essence of Konkani cuisine while offering a healthy and satisfying seafood option for your next meal.
Cooking Details
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
For Konkani Grilled Fish:
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 spring onions
- 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 fresh coconut, grated
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Fresh dill leaves sprigs
- 3 cloves
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- A small piece of cassia bark (cinnamon)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 inch ginger, lightly bashed
- 2 green chilies
- Salt to taste
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Handful of coriander leaves
- 2 tbsp tamarind extract
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 fillet of sea bass
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 radish, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
For Orange Salad:
- 8 orange segments
- Handful of dill leaves, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt to taste
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Masala
Heat a pan and dry roast onion, ginger, garlic, green chilies, dill leaves, and coriander leaves. Add cloves, cumin, fennel seeds, black pepper, coriander seeds, grated coconut, turmeric, red chili powder, cassia bark, and a little salt. Grind this mixture into a paste. Add tamarind extract, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs, and water, then grind again into a smooth Konkani masala.
Step 2: Marinate the Fish
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Rub the sea bass fillet with olive oil on both sides. Coat with 3 tablespoons of Konkani masala and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Assemble and Grill
Spread 1.5 tablespoons of Konkani masala on a baking dish. Layer with radish, onion, tomato, dill leaves, butter, and lemon juice. Place the marinated fish on top and grill until perfectly cooked and golden.
Step 4: Make the Orange Salad
In a bowl, combine orange segments, dill leaves, lemon juice, honey, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
Step 5: Serve
Plate the grilled fish and top it with the refreshing orange salad. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving. Enjoy this coastal delicacy hot with steamed rice or flatbread.