Entree: Iran – Persian Gulf Coast – سمك مشوي ➤ Samak Mashwi (Grilled Gulf-style marinated fish with citrus and warm spices)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 18 min

Additional 45 min

Total 1 hr

Ingredients

- 4 whole small fish, approx. 10 oz (280 g) each, scaled and gutted
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, approx. 1 oz (30 g)
- 2 tsp (4 g) ground turmeric
- 1 tsp (2.5 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (2.5 g) ground coriander
- 1 tbsp (8 g) ground sumac
- 2 dried limes (loomi), pierced or lightly crushed
- 1 tsp (6 g) sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain yogurt (optional, for a slightly tenderizing glaze)
- 1/2 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro and parsley combined
- Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, sumac, pierced dried limes, salt, pepper and yogurt (if using) in a bowl; rub the mixture inside and over the scored sides of each fish, place on a tray, cover and marinate 30–60 minutes in the refrigerator so flavors penetrate.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grate; grill the fish 6–9 minutes per side (depending on thickness), basting once with remaining marinade, until flesh is opaque and slightly charred; transfer to a platter, sprinkle with chopped herbs, serve immediately with lemon wedges.