Strait of Hormuz Spiced Fish Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Moroccan-inspired fish tagine bursting with preserved lemon, green olives, and warm spices. This middle eastern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium onion, thinly sliced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or tagine pot over medium heat. Add 1 thinly sliced medium onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp paprika. Stir and cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup pitted green olives and rind slices from 1 preserved lemon. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
  5. Step 5: Nestle 1 lb firm white fish fillets into the sauce, cover, and cook gently for 8-10 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top, and serve with couscous or crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Strait of Hormuz Spiced Fish Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Strait of Hormuz Spiced Fish Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Strait of Hormuz Spiced Fish Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Strait of Hormuz Spiced Fish Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Strait of Hormuz Spiced Fish Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives?

Middle Eastern seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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