Nauruan Coconut Crusted Reef Fish (Ika me Coconut) – Authentic Nauru Recipe
Crisp pan-fried Nauruan fish fillets coated in golden toasted coconut flakes and lime.
- Country of Origin
- 🇳🇷 Nauru (Micronesia, Oceania)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- White fish fillets, Shredded coconut crust, Cucumber salad, Lime juice, Garlic
Ingredients for Nauruan Coconut Crusted Reef Fish (Ika me Coconut) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) white fish fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups shredded coconut crust, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup cucumber salad
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with lime juice
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Nauru seasoning (garlic, ginger, cracked pepper)
- 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 lime juice for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add white fish fillets and shredded coconut crust along with garlic, ginger, cracked pepper, 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 cucumber salad and serve straight from the skillet.