Yassa au Poisson de Nouadhibou (Atlantic Fish in Lime & Caramelized Onion Sauce) – Authentic Mauritania Recipe
From the fishing peninsula of Nouadhibou: flaky ocean fish braised in tangy citrus-onion sauce.
- Country of Origin
- 🇲🇷 Mauritania (West Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Pan-seared Atlantic white fish fillets, Slow-cooked golden onions, Steamed white rice, Fresh lime juice, Dijon mustard
Ingredients for Yassa au Poisson de Nouadhibou (Atlantic Fish in Lime & Caramelized Onion Sauce) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) pan-seared Atlantic white fish fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups slow-cooked golden onions, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup steamed white rice
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh lime juice
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Mauritania seasoning (Dijon mustard, garlic, bay leaf, green olives)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and fresh lime juice for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add pan-seared Atlantic white fish fillets and slow-cooked golden onions along with Dijon mustard, garlic, bay leaf, green olives, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with steamed white rice and serve straight from the skillet.