Lebanese Cuisine

Lebanese Spicy Fish with Tahini and Pine Nuts Recipe – Lebanese Special

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Lebanese Spicy Fish with Tahini and Pine Nuts Recipe – Lebanese Special

This classic Lebanese dish, also known as Samkeh Harra, combines flaky white fish with a bold, garlicky tahini sauce, a touch of spice, and toasted pine nuts. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weekday dinner. Served with warm pita or rice, it’s an unforgettable taste of the Mediterranean.

  • Prep Time10 min
  • Cook Time25 min
  • Total Time35 min

For the Fish:

  • 2 white fish fillets (such as sea bass, cod, or snapper)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon

For the Tahini Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup water (adjust for consistency)
  • Salt, to taste

Toppings:

  • 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Season and Roast the Fish:

1

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the fish fillets on a lined baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Roast for 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.

Prepare Tahini Sauce:

2

In a bowl, whisk together tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Add water gradually until smooth and pourable.

Toast Pine Nuts:

3

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pine nuts until golden. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

Assemble:

4

Place the cooked fish on a serving platter. Spoon tahini sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.

Serve:

5

Best served warm with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad on the side.

Recipe Notes :

Fish Tip : Choose a firm white fish that holds up well in the oven. Whole fish also works great for presentation.

Spice Level : Adjust cayenne to your preference. For extra heat, add chili flakes or a dash of harissa.

Make Ahead : Tahini sauce can be made a day in advance and kept chilled.

Serving Suggestion : Great with vermicelli rice, tabbouleh, or roasted vegetables.

Pine Nut Sub : Slivered almonds work if you don’t have pine nuts.

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