Fried Fish with Spicy Tomato Sauce (Samak Bil-Tomato)

Samak Bil-Tomato is a popular Libyan dish featuring fried fish smothered in a spicy tomato sauce. This flavorful and aromatic dish is perfect for seafood lovers and those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.

Fried Fish with Spicy Tomato Sauce (Samak Bil-Tomato)

Ingredients

  • 4 fish fillets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red chili, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup fish or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Dredge the fish fillets in a mixture of flour, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the fish until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and red chili until softened.
  4. Add the paprika and cumin, and cook for another minute.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and fish or vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Return the fried fish to the skillet and spoon the spicy tomato sauce over the fish. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
25 minutes
Total time:
45 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Protein
25g
Fat
15g
Carbohydrates
20g

Supplies

Large skillet Cooking spoon Knife Cutting board

Tools

Lemon squeezer

Serving suggestions

Serve the Samak Bil-Tomato with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips & tricks

For a spicier kick, add more red chilies to the sauce. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

Cost

$15