Mahi Sorkh Shodeh (Persian Fried Fish)

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Persian fish recipe features white fish that's pan-fried until golden brown, drizzled with saffron water, and drenched with fresh orange juice.

Ingredients

1/8 teaspoon saffron threads
1 tablespoon boiling water
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 pounds skinless cod fillets, about 1-inch thick
1/4 cup grapeseed oil
1/4 orange, juiced
1 orange, cut into wedges
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

1 Crush saffron threads to a powder with a small mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in boiling water. Cover and set aside.
2 Mix flour, salt, turmeric, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder together on a large plate and spread in an even layer.
3 Dry fish well with paper towels. Cut into 3-inch-long pieces and season with salt. Dredge fish in flour mixture until all sides are coated.
4 Heat oil in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add fish and fry on one side until nice and golden, about 7 minutes. Flip fish, drizzle saffron water over top, and fry the other side until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5 more minutes.
5 Transfer fish to a serving platter. Drizzle orange juice over top and serve with orange and lime wedges.