Coastal PNG Kokoda (Lime-Marinated Reef Fish & Coconut) – Authentic Papua New Guinea Recipe
Refreshing Port Moresby coastal fish dish cured in lime and dressed in cool coconut cream.
- Country of Origin
- 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea (Melanesia, Oceania)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Diced firm white snapper, Diced tomatoes, Cucumber, Fresh lime juice, Coconut cream
Ingredients for Coastal PNG Kokoda (Lime-Marinated Reef Fish & Coconut) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) diced firm white snapper, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups diced tomatoes, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup cucumber
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh lime juice
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Papua New Guinea seasoning (coconut cream, bird’s eye chili, cilantro)
- 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 diced firm white snapper and diced tomatoes along with coconut cream, bird’s eye chili, cilantro, 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 and serve straight from the skillet.