Mahi Sorkh Shodeh (Persian Fried Fish)

Persian-style fried fish is served for Nowruz (Iranian New Year) with Seville oranges, which add an intoxicating scent and flavor to this easy dish.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 300 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon boiling water
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1 orange, cut into wedges
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.25 cup grapeseed oil
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.125 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
• 1.5 pounds skinless cod fillets, about 1-inch thick
• 0.25 orange, juiced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Crush saffron threads to a powder in a small mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl with 1 tablespoon boiling water. Stir, cover, and set saffron water aside.

Step 2

Combine flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, turmeric, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder on a large plate.

Step 3

Dry fish well with paper towels. Cut into 3-inch long pieces and season with salt. Dredge fish in the flour mixture on all sides.

Step 4

Heat oil in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add fish and fry on one side until nice and golden, about 7 minutes. Flip fish, drizzle saffron water over top, and fry the other side until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5 more minutes.

Step 5

Transfer fish to a serving platter. Squeeze orange juice over top and serve with orange and lime wedges.