Samak bi Tahini Lazqani (Latakia Mediterranean Baked Fish with Walnuts, Cilantro & Tahini) – Authentic Syria Recipe
From the coastal port of Latakia: flaky Mediterranean fish baked under a nutty walnut, cilantro, and tahini crust.
- Country of Origin
- 🇸🇾 Syria (Middle East, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Flaky sea bass or bream fillets, Caramelized onions and toasted walnuts, Warm pita bread, Sesame tahini-lemon sauce, Fresh cilantro
Ingredients for Samak bi Tahini Lazqani (Latakia Mediterranean Baked Fish with Walnuts, Cilantro & Tahini) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) flaky sea bass or bream fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups caramelized onions and toasted walnuts, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup warm pita bread
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with sesame tahini-lemon sauce
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Syria seasoning (fresh cilantro, cumin, garlic, Aleppo pepper)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, sesame tahini-lemon sauce, and fresh cilantro, cumin, garlic, Aleppo pepper for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine flaky sea bass or bream fillets and caramelized onions and toasted walnuts with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with warm pita bread and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.