Air-Fryer Iraqi Masgouf Tamarind Fish Trays

Grand Tour Recipe

Air-Fryer Iraqi Masgouf Tamarind Fish Trays

Make Air-Fryer Iraqi Masgouf Tamarind Fish Trays with measured UK ingredients, practical air-fryer timings and bold Grand Tour flavour.

Masgouf is Iraq's famous open-grilled river fish, split wide and cooked beside fire until smoky. An air fryer cannot recreate the Tigris riverbank, but it can deliver charred fish and the sharp tamarind glaze.

Butterflied sea bass fillets cook quickly over tomato and onion, catching at the edges while staying juicy. Sumac, parsley and lemon give the finished tray the brightness that rich fish needs.

Air-Fryer Iraqi Masgouf Tamarind Fish Trays
Air-Fryer Iraqi Masgouf Tamarind Fish Trays preparation stage

You’ll Need

For the Fish
4 skin-on sea bass fillets
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Tamarind Glaze
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 tbsp tomato puree
1 tsp date syrup or honey
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1 tbsp hot water

For the Trays
2 tomatoes, thickly sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 tsp sumac
Chopped parsley
Lemon wedges

Optional but Dangerous
Flatbread
Pickled turnips
Extra tamarind glaze

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.

Arrange the tomato and onion in a lightly oiled heatproof tray.

Air fry for 6 minutes until they begin to soften and catch.

Rub the fish with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt and black pepper.

Mix the tamarind paste, tomato puree, date syrup, garlic and hot water.

Lay the fish skin-side down over the vegetables and brush with half the glaze.

Air fry at 195°C for 7 minutes.

Brush with the remaining glaze and cook for 2-4 minutes until the fish flakes cleanly.

Rest for 2 minutes.

Finish with sumac, parsley and lemon wedges.

Lad Tip: Tamarind brands vary from friendly to face-folding. Taste the glaze before it meets the fish and balance it with a touch more date syrup if the sourness takes over.

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