Looking for ways to change things up in the kitchen? Fish is a versatile ingredient that is used in all sorts of tantalizing recipes, many of which you may have never heard of. These five dishes all have international roots. Filled with both new and familiar flavors, they’re a perfect dinner option if you’re looking to expand your cooking repertoire.
Cioppino
Cioppino is a seafood stew that first became popular on the docks of San Francisco in the 1930s. Homesick Italian fishermen used to add their favorite Italian flavors and ingredients to the communal fish stew. This Classic Cioppino recipe from Food and Wine features fish, mussels, clams and shrimp. Or, this budget-friendly Tilapia Cioppino recipe from Foodness Gracious features tender chunks of Tilapia along with fresh oregano.
Ceviche
Ceviche is a Latin American dish that is made from raw fish cured in citrus juice and served with fresh vegetables. This Tilapia Ceviche recipe from the Food Network calls for serving the ceviche on grilled tostadas and topping them with sliced avocado. If you like your fish on the spicier side, Food.com’s Simple Peruvian Ceviche recipe with habanero peppers is sure to hit the spot.
Bouillabaisse
Provencal France is known for its comfort food. One traditional dish is bouillabaisse, a seafood stew that gets its unique flavor from Provencal herbs and spices. For an authentic bouillabaisse that is worth the required time and effort, try this Bouillabaisse recipe from Epicurious. But if you’re short on time, try this Simple Bouillabaisse recipe from NYT Cooking. It still has that classic French flavor but is simpler and less time-consuming to prepare.
Poke
For a meal that’s sure to make you feel like you’ve been whisked away on a mini vacation, try making poke, a traditional Hawaiian dish. Poke consists of pieces of raw fish that have been marinated in soy and sesame. It’s often served on rice along with avocado or on crispy fried wontons. To make your own poke, try this traditional Ahi Poke recipe from Serious Eats. If you can’t find ahi tuna in your grocery store or are avoiding fish with mercury, try out this Tilapia Poke recipe from Sushi Day.
Moqueca
Moqueca is a Brazilian fish stew made from various types of seafood, coconut milk, onion, garlic and cilantro. For a traditional version of the dish that may require a trip to your local ethnic grocery, try this Moqueca recipe from NYT Cooking. For a version that has authentic Brazilian flavors but is made from ingredients that you can find in your local grocery store, check out this Moqueca recipe from Simply Recipes.
Next time you’re looking to try something new for dinner, give one of these unique seafood dishes a try. You may be surprised how much you enjoy some of these unique flavor combinations, and these dishes are sure to impress your foodie friends.
Looking for more internationally-inspired seafood dishes? Check out these five Chinese dishes that are easy to cook at home.
Photo credits: hlphoto / Shutterstock.com, Food and Wine, Hans Geel / Shutterstock.com, Steamy Kitchen, Serious Eats, Simply Recipes