Samaka Harra (Syrian Spiced Fish) Recipe

Name: Samaka Harra (Syrian Spiced Fish)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 large garlic cloves, peeled; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 2 fresh red or green long chili peppers, seeded; 1 small onion, cut into pieces; 1 large ripe tomato (9 to 10 ounces), peeled and seeded; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin seeds; 1 whole red snapper (about 6 pounds), scaled, gutted and cleaned but left whole with head and tail on; 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Servings: persons

6 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 fresh red or green long chili peppers, seeded
1 small onion, cut into pieces
1 large ripe tomato (9 to 10 ounces), peeled and seeded
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin seeds
1 whole red snapper (about 6 pounds), scaled, gutted and cleaned but left whole with head and tail on
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1
In a mortar, pound the garlic and salt together until mushy.
2
Put the chili peppers and onion in a food processor and chop finely.
3
Add the tomato and process in bursts until it is chopped.
4
Remove to a medium-size bowl and stir in the pounded garlic, tomato paste and cumin.
5
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
6
Rinse the fish and pat dry with paper towels.
7
Score the fish in three places on each side.
8
Lay the fish in a baking pan and coat with the olive oil on both sides.
9
Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover with the chili pepper sauce.
10
Bake the fish until the dorsal fin feels as if it will come off with a tug, about 1 hour, basting with the accumulated olive oil in the baking pan.
11
Sprinkle with the coriander and serve.

525

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 6 large garlic cloves, peeled, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 2 fresh red or green long chili peppers, seeded, 1 small onion, cut into pieces, and more.

Yes, Samaka Harra (Syrian Spiced Fish) falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Samaka Harra (Syrian Spiced Fish)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions