Stuffed Fish with Tamarind Recipe

Sunday, May 10, 2026

SAEDNEWS: Seafood, especially fish, is very tasty and beneficial for health, particularly when it is well seasoned. These stuffed fish, flavored with vegetables and tamarind, have an exceptional aroma and taste. Their preparation is also simple, and you can enjoy eating fish with a fresh and unique flavor.

Stuffed Fish with Tamarind Recipe

According to Saednews, A traditional Persian baked stuffed fish filled with herbs, tamarind, and walnuts, known for its rich sweet-sour flavor.


Ingredients (Serves 6–7 people)

Ingredient

Amount

Fish (whole, cleaned)

1 fish (2–2.5 kg)

Vegetable oil

1/2 cup

Saffron (dissolved)

2 tbsp

Salt

As needed

Tamarind

350 g

Onion (chopped)

1/2 cup

Garlic (chopped)

5–6 cloves

Parsley (chopped)

1/2 cup

Cilantro (chopped)

1/2 cup

Fenugreek (chopped)

2 tbsp

Tarragon or basil

2–3 stalks

Honey

1 tbsp

Walnuts (chopped)

1/2 cup

Black pepper

As needed


Cooking Instructions

  1. Clean the fish thoroughly, empty the cavity, wash with cold water, and dry well.

  2. Mix 3 tablespoons of oil with salt and saffron. Rub this mixture inside and outside the fish. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

  3. Soak tamarind in 1 cup of boiling water for 2 hours, then strain to extract the pulp.

  4. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Sauté onions until golden. Add half of the garlic and herbs, and sauté on low heat.

  5. Remove from heat and mix with tamarind extract, honey, walnuts, and black pepper.

  6. Stuff the fish cavity with the prepared mixture and sew it closed.

  7. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and place rack in the middle.

  8. Grease a non-stick pan with 2 tablespoons of oil and sprinkle salt on the base. Place the fish in the pan.

  9. Add remaining garlic and herbs around the fish and bake.

  10. After 15 minutes, gently shake the tray to prevent sticking. Continue baking for 1 to 1.5 hours.

  11. During baking, occasionally baste the fish with saffron oil to keep it moist.

  12. Remove from oven, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and serve.


Variation: Stuffed Fish with Walnuts, Barberries, and Pomegranate

Ingredient

Amount

Walnuts

1/2 cup

Raisins

1/2 cup

Fried onions

1/2 cup

Barberries

1/2 cup

Saffron water

1 tbsp

Pomegranate juice (or paste)

3 tbsp

Mix all ingredients together and use as stuffing instead of the original filling. You may also replace with orange juice or lemon juice for a tangier flavor.