World Flavors Cookbook

Samak Mofa (Tandoor Fish)

Fresh fish marinated in a bold spice paste and roasted against the walls of a clay tandoor oven, a coastal Yemeni specialty.

Cuisine: Yemen

Ingredients

• 1 whole firm white fish (e.g., Sea Bream or Snapper)
• Paste: red chilies, garlic, cumin, coriander, lemon juice
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and oil

Instructions

1. Clean the fish and make deep slashes in the skin.
2. Rub the spice paste thoroughly into the fish.
3. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
4. Traditionally roasted in a tandoor (mofa), but can be grilled or baked at very high heat.
5. Serve with sahawiq and flatbread.