Introduction
Fish tahini tray is one of the most popular seafood dishes in the Levantine cuisine. It combines the delicate flavor of fresh fish with the creamy texture of tahini, lemon, garlic, and traditional Middle Eastern spices. This dish is rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect as an elegant main course, especially when served with Arabic bread or Sayadieh rice. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare baked fish with tahini using professional tips that ensure tenderness, richness, and outstanding taste—perfectly suited for a food blog.
What Makes Fish Tahini Tray Special?
- Balanced Eastern flavor
Tahini provides a smooth creamy texture, lemon adds refreshing acidity, and garlic enhances depth of flavor. - Easy to prepare
All ingredients are assembled in one tray with minimal effort. - Suitable for all types of fish
Tilapia, sea bream, sea bass, salmon, or fish fillet. - Filling and nutritious
Fish and tahini together create a high-protein meal with healthy fats.
Main Ingredients
Fish Ingredients:
- 2 whole cleaned fish or fish fillets
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp oil for coating the fish
Tahini Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup tahini
- ½ cup warm water
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- A pinch of white pepper
Vegetable Base (Optional):
- Sliced onions
- Sliced tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preparing the fish
Wash and dry the fish thoroughly. If using whole fish, make shallow cuts to help absorb the seasoning. Season with salt, cumin, and black pepper, then rest for 10 minutes. - Preparing the vegetable base (optional but recommended)
Arrange onion, pepper, and tomato slices at the bottom of the baking tray to add flavor and prevent sticking. - Making the tahini sauce
Gradually mix tahini with warm water until creamy and smooth. Add garlic, lemon juice, salt, cumin, and white pepper. The sauce should be medium consistency, as it thickens while baking. - Assembling the tray
Place the fish over the vegetables or directly in the tray. Pour the tahini sauce evenly, fully covering the fish. - Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Grill for an additional 2 minutes if a golden top is desired. - Serving
Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve with Sayadieh rice, white rice, or Arabic bread.
Secrets for Perfect Fish Tahini Tray
- Always use warm water when mixing tahini to prevent clumping
- Avoid adding too much liquid, as tahini releases moisture while baking
- Fresh fish makes a noticeable difference in taste
- A splash of lemon juice before serving adds freshness
- The vegetable layer enhances both flavor and texture
Nutritional Value
- High-quality protein from fish
- Healthy fats from tahini and fish
- Rich in minerals such as zinc, calcium, and omega-3
- Very filling and satisfying meal
Creative Serving Ideas
- Fish tahini with coriander for a stronger Arabic flavor
- Spicy version with chili or red pepper flakes
- Creamy tahini fish by adding a splash of cooking cream
- Fish tahini with potato slices for extra richness
- Serve in a clay pot for an elegant presentation
Conclusion
Fish tahini tray is not just a simple seafood recipe—it is a refined Eastern dish that combines classic flavors with a luxurious creamy texture. By following these steps and tips, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced dish that rivals restaurant-quality meals and adds a special touch to your table. This recipe deserves a top spot in your seafood section due to its rich flavor and wide appeal.
