Easy Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice Recipe

"The dish presents a tender fish fillet resting on a bed of vibrant green spinach and juicy tomatoes. The tomatoes have burst open, releasing their juices, which creates a slight tanginess that complements the fish"

by BdRecipes

Fijian Fish with Tomato, spinach, rice is a simple dish that combines seafood with tomatoes, spinach, and Rice. This recipe reflects Fijian cooking, using fresh, local ingredients and simple preparation techniques. The Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe is filling and filling for both casual family meals and special occasions. Its balanced combination of flavours and textures makes it a highlight in Fijian cuisine.

The fresh Fish (usually snapper or mahi-mahi) is the key to the Fijian fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe. The fish is lightly seasoned to bring out its flavours and cooked gently to keep it moist but flaky. Tomatoes make this a very flavorful dish, providing a tart base for the fish. Fresh spinach leaves are mixed in at the conclusion of cooking for color and a slight earthy taste.

The Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice is a basic recipe that is accessible to all cooks. The dish opens with onions, garlic and ginger sauteed in a gentle base which spotlights the tomato’s natural sweetness. After the tomatoes have softened, fish is added to digest the flavors of the sauce. The spinach is stirred in just before serving to make it green along with juicy. This simple cooking makes the ingredients the stars of the dish.

The Rice is a key ingredient in Fijian fish with Tomato, Spinach, rice. The rice is generally steamed or boiled till fluffy, and acts as a neutral base to balance the savoury and tangy components of the dish. For a mild sweetness and creaminess, add coconut milk to the rice and serve with the fish and tomatoes. This makes a filling and healthy meal.

The Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe can be modified to suit your own tastes. For a more fiery kick, try adding fresh chilli or chilli peppers to the tomato base. You are able to add various other veggies to the dish, including zucchini or bell peppers. All these variations allow Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice to be modified to suit any palate while maintaining its core appeal.

Finally, Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice is simple and fresh – a hallmark of Fijian cuisine. It features tender fish, tangy tomatoes, spinach and fluffy rice – a meal that’s as filling as it is delicious. Simple to prepare and adaptable to most tastes, this recipe is ideal for anyone wanting to sample the authentic Fijian cooking flavours. This Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice is a simple dish that showcases fresh, simple ingredients in a dish that reflects island living.
Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, and Rice Rec

Ingredients For the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice Recipe

Lemongrass
Red Chilli
Red Onion
Tomatoes
Coconut Milk
Lemon Juice
Fish Sauce
Sugar
Basil Leaves
Fish Fillets
Fiji Pin

Cooking Instructions For the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice Recipe

Slice the chilli lengthwise, removing the seeds, and then finely cut it; thinly slice the onion; coarsely chop the tomatoes; remove the outer leaf and chop the lemongrass finely.

Put a big skillet over medium heat. Add the lemongrass, chili, and ¼ cup of coconut milk. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the lemongrass is soft and the liquid has evaporated. Add the remaining coconut milk, sugar, fish sauce, lemon juice, fresh or canned tomatoes, onion, and basil leaves. Simmer for five minutes.

Remove any residual scales or bones from the fish after patting it dry with paper towels. Add salt and pepper for seasoning. After 4 minutes of simmering, flip the whole fish fillets over and continue cooking for another minute, or until they are just done.

Just wilt spinach by steaming or lightly sautéing it. Spoon spinach, rice, and fish and coconut sauce onto each plate to serve. Add some basil leaves as a garnish.

Helpful Suggestions For the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice Recipe

The Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe is a flavorful and nutritious dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes. When choosing fish for this recipe, firm white fish like snapper, mahi-mahi, or cod are ideal because they hold up well during cooking and have a mild flavor that complements the tomato and spinach.

It’s important to sauté the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes to create a rich base for the sauce. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish. Fresh spinach is commonly used in this recipe, but you can substitute it with frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. When cooking the rice, make sure to use the correct water-to-rice ratio to ensure it’s fluffy and not too sticky. Adding a pinch of salt or a dash of coconut milk to the rice can enhance its flavor.

For extra texture, consider adding diced potatoes or bell peppers to the tomato sauce. This dish is typically served with the fish resting on a bed of rice, and the spinach and tomato sauce is spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, and Rice Rec

Storage Instructions For the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice Recipe

After preparing the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe, allow the dish to cool completely before storing it. Once cooled, place the fish and rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish, but it’s best to freeze the fish and rice separately from the tomato and spinach sauce to preserve their textures.

The rice may become a bit mushy upon reheating, so it’s recommended to reheat it gently. To freeze the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe, divide it into individual portions for easy reheating. When reheating, warm the fish and sauce in a saucepan over low heat and add a little water or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency. The rice can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

For the best quality, consume the dish within 1-2 months if frozen. When properly stored and reheated, the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe remains a tasty and convenient meal.

Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, and Rice Rec

FAQ For the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice Recipe

Question: Can I use a different type of fish in the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe?

A: Yes, you can use different types of firm white fish, such as tilapia, mahi-mahi, or cod, in the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe. Choose a fish that holds up well during cooking.

Question: Can I make the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe spicier?

A: Yes, you can make the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe spicier by adding fresh chili, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.

Question: How can I make the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe dairy-free?

A: The Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe is naturally dairy-free. Ensure that you use coconut oil or olive oil for cooking and avoid adding any dairy-based ingredients to keep the dish dairy-free.

Question: Can I substitute the spinach in the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute the spinach with other leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, or even frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available for the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe.

Question: How long does it take to cook the Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe?

A: The Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice recipe takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook, depending on the fish type and rice cooking time.

Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, and Rice Rec

Easy Fijian Fish with Tomato, Spinach, Rice Recipe

The dish presents a tender fish fillet resting on a bed of vibrant green spinach and juicy tomatoes. The tomatoes have burst open, releasing their juices, which creates a slight tanginess that complements the fish.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Pacific Islands
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 397 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 stalk Lemongrass
  • 1 Red Chilli optional
  • ½ Red Onion
  • 4 Tomatoes Ripe or 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can Coconut Milk
  • 3 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tbsp Fish Sauce
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • ¼ cup Basil Leaves roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 lb. Fish Fillets e.g. white, terakihi, gurnard, snapper etc

Instructions
 

  • Slice the chilli lengthwise, removing the seeds, and then finely cut it; thinly slice the onion; coarsely chop the tomatoes; remove the outer leaf and chop the lemongrass finely.
  • Put a big skillet over medium heat. Add the lemongrass, chili, and ¼ cup of coconut milk. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the lemongrass is soft and the liquid has evaporated. Add the remaining coconut milk, sugar, fish sauce, lemon juice, fresh or canned tomatoes, onion, and basil leaves. Simmer for five minutes.
  • Remove any residual scales or bones from the fish after patting it dry with paper towels. Add salt and pepper for seasoning. After 4 minutes of simmering, flip the whole fish fillets over and continue cooking for another minute, or until they are just done.
  • Just wilt spinach by steaming or lightly sautéing it. Spoon spinach, rice, and fish and coconut sauce onto each plate to serve. Add some basil leaves as a garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 397kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 38gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 815mgPotassium: 1141mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1213IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 5mg
Keyword fish, Rice, spinach, Tomatoes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

You may also like

1 comment

BdRecipes January 12, 2025 - 8:16 pm

5 stars
Great dish that is quick and easy.

Reply
5 from 1 vote

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating