Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F/200°C for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the fish is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
DINNER
Tunisian Spiced Fish and Vegetable Skewers with Harissa Marinade
These vibrant Tunisian-inspired skewers feature tender fish and colorful vegetables marinated in a zesty harissa blend, then grilled to perfection. It's a flavorful and healthy dinner that comes together quickly.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Let's cook.
01
In a medium bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
02
Add the cubed fish, zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion to the marinade. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.
03
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated fish and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
04
Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily, and the vegetables are tender-crisp with nice char marks.
05
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.
About This Recipe
These vibrant Tunisian-inspired skewers feature tender fish and colorful vegetables marinated in a zesty harissa blend, then grilled to perfection. It's a flavorful and healthy dinner that comes together quickly.
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.✦
Big flavor.✦
Chef's Tips
For extra flavor, brush the skewers with any leftover marinade during the last few minutes of grilling. Don't overcrowd the grill, cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and good charring. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors.
Easy Substitutions
You can substitute shrimp or chicken for the fish. Other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or yellow bell pepper work well. If you don't have harissa, a blend of chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can be used, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven at 300°F/150°C until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these skewers with a side of fluffy couscous, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or a dollop of cooling plain yogurt. They also pair wonderfully with warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes
1. Over-marinating the fish: Fish is delicate and can become mushy if left in an acidic marinade for too long. Stick to the recommended 15-30 minutes. 2. Overcooking the fish: Fish cooks quickly. Watch for it to turn opaque and flake easily, then remove it promptly to prevent it from drying out. 3. Not soaking wooden skewers: This can lead to burnt skewers and food falling off. Always soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before grilling. 4. Overcrowding the grill: Too many skewers at once lowers the grill temperature and steams the food instead of searing it, preventing good char marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of harissa paste should I use?
Any good quality harissa paste will work. Some are milder, some spicier, so adjust the quantity to your preference.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can cut the fish and vegetables and prepare the marinade a day in advance. Combine them no more than 30 minutes before grilling.
What if I don't have a grill?
A grill pan on the stovetop works perfectly, or as mentioned, you can bake them in the oven.
MORE TO KNOW
The key to successful skewers is uniform cutting of ingredients. This ensures everything cooks at roughly the same rate. For fish, choose a firm variety that won't fall apart easily on the grill. Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning, a crucial step for outdoor grilling. Harissa, a North African chili paste, provides a complex heat and depth of flavor that is central to Tunisian cuisine. Its smoky, spicy notes are balanced by the fresh lemon and earthy spices in this marinade.
WHAT PEOPLE THINK
Reviews
☆
No reviews yet
Be the first person to review this recipe.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Made this recipe?
Tell us how it turned out.