Tafi Fish in Coconut-Mango-Basil Sauce recipe

Tafi Fish in Coconut-Mango-Basil Sauce

by Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
50min

A light and flavorful baked Tafi fish dish with a tropical twist, featuring a coconut-mango-basil sauce.

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion of fish with sauce)

For the Fish

  • 1
    whole flat Tafi fish (cleaned and scaled)
  • 2tbsp
    olive oil
  • 1tbsp
    whole coriander seeds
  • 1tsp
    chili flakes
  • 1
    lemon, juiced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1
    sweet orange, sliced into rounds
  • Water (for the water bath)

For the Coconut-Mango-Basil Sauce

  • 1cup
    ripe mango, chopped
  • 1/2cup
    coconut milk
  • 1bundle
    fresh basil leaves
  • 1clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1/4tsp
    chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1tbsp
    olive oil

How to make Tafi Fish in Coconut-Mango-Basil Sauce

Marinate the Fish

  1. Rinse the Tafi fish and pat it dry. Season both inside and out with salt and pepper. Rub the fish with olive oil, coriander seeds, chili flakes, and lemon juice. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.

Stuff and Bake the Fish

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

  2. Stuff the fish cavity with orange slices, then tie it securely with kitchen twine to hold the stuffing in place.

    Step 2.1: Stuff the fish cavity with orange slices, then tie it securely with kitchen twine to hold the stuffing in place
  3. Place the fish in a baking dish and add enough water to create a shallow water bath (about 1/2 inch deep).

  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

  5. Remove the fish from the oven, untie, and transfer to a serving platter. Spoon the coconut-mango-basil sauce over the fish or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh basil or additional orange slices if desired.

    Step 2.1: Remove the fish from the oven, untie, and transfer to a serving platter

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a more intense flavor, marinate the fish for longer, up to 1 hour.

  2. Ensure the fish is fresh for the best taste and texture.