Caspian Aktau Sturgeon/White Fish Shashlik with Pomegranate & Onion Salad – Authentic Kazakhstan Recipe

Ingredients for Caspian Aktau Sturgeon/White Fish Shashlik with Pomegranate & Onion Salad (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) thick white fish medallions, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups charred tomatoes and bell peppers, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup thinly sliced sumac-onion salad
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with lemon juice
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Kazakhstan seasoning (coriander, black pepper, dill, pomegranate drizzle)
• 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together lemon juice, coriander, black pepper, dill, pomegranate drizzle, cooking oil, and sea salt in a bowl to form a fragrant Kazakhstan marinade.
2. Coat thick white fish medallions and charred tomatoes and bell peppers thoroughly in the seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
3. Heat a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
4. Sear thick white fish medallions and charred tomatoes and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes per side until blistered, charred at the edges, and cooked through.
5. Transfer to a warm platter, scatter with thinly sliced sumac-onion salad, and serve immediately.