Fried fish with coriander sauce

Pan-fried fish with coriander sauce: a delicious and aromatic recipe that will bring a touch of joy to every meal. This easy and quick preparation highlights the fish fillets, transforming them into an elegant main dish, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 3-4 hours (ideally overnight)
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total: 3-4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 kg fish fillet (preferably cod, tilapia, or salmon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 7-8 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 bunches of fresh coriander
- 1 lemon
- 200 g liquid cream or cooking cream
- Approximately 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- Flour (for dredging the fish)
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Paper towels (to remove excess oil)

Step by step:

Step 1: Marinating the fish
1. Preparing the fish: Start by cleaning the fish fillets, ensuring that there are no bones left. You can ask for help from someone more experienced if you are not familiar with this process.
2. Marinating: Place the fillets in a deep bowl and generously drizzle them with lemon juice. The lemon not only adds a fresh taste but also helps tenderize the fish. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. If you have time, leave it overnight for an even more intense flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the coriander sauce
1. Garlic: Peel and chop the garlic cloves into small pieces. The garlic will give the sauce a deep and delicious flavor.
2. Cooking: In a pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden, being careful not to burn it.
3. Coriander: Finely chop the fresh coriander and add it to the pan. Mix well, allowing the flavors to combine for a few minutes.
4. Adding water: Add 3-4 tablespoons of water and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help develop the flavors.
5. Pureeing the sauce: Using a blender or an immersion mixer, puree the sauce, but leave some larger pieces of coriander for texture. Put the sauce back on the heat.
6. Finalizing the sauce: Add the liquid cream and let it simmer. When the sauce starts to boil, dissolve the cornstarch in 1-2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the sauce. Simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Adjust with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

Step 3: Preparing the fish
1. Seasoning: Remove the fish fillets from the marinade, gently squeeze them to remove excess liquid, and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. If desired, you can also add other spices like paprika or cumin for a different flavor.
2. Dredging: Place flour in a bowl and dredge each fish fillet in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. This step will give the fish a crispy crust.
3. Frying: Heat olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the fish fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish (it should be around 63°C).
4. Draining: Remove the fried fish to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Serving
Serve the fish hot, alongside boiled potatoes and julienned carrots, which can be lightly fried to add a crispy texture. Drizzle the coriander sauce over the fish or serve it on a separate plate to allow guests to garnish as they prefer.

Serving suggestions
For a touch of freshness, add a slice of lemon to each plate. You can also accompany this dish with a refreshing green salad or a side of aromatic basmati rice. I recommend serving it with a dry white wine or a pale lager, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of fish?
Of course! You can use any type of fish you prefer, ensuring it is fresh and of good quality.

2. How can I adapt the coriander sauce?
If you don't have coriander, you can try using parsley or basil to create a variation of the sauce.

3. Is this recipe healthy?
Fish is an excellent source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. The coriander sauce adds antioxidants and vitamins, while the vegetable sides provide essential nutrients.

4. What other sides could I use?
Besides potatoes and carrots, rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables are excellent choices that pair very well with this dish.

Unique variation
For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few drops of fish sauce to the coriander sauce to intensify the taste. This is a technique I learned from a cooking enthusiast friend and has brought an interesting twist to the original recipe.

Savor every bite of this flavorful dish! Each step is an opportunity to explore and enjoy your preparation, and the combination of ingredients will provide you with a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!