Grilled Fish Kebabs with Garlic and Herbs

Marinated with cilantro, dill, and plenty of spices, these Galilee-style skewers hit all the right notes.

Serves
Makes 10
Time
1 hour 25 minutes

TED CAVANAUGH

Updated on August 26, 2022

The ground spice and garlic marinade that adds layers of flavor to these fish kebabs also works well on cubed chicken or lamb. The recipe for these smoky kebabs comes from Rawia Bishara, the chef behind Brooklyn’s Tanoreen, who associates Friday fish cookouts with her childhood near the Sea of Galilee in Palestine. Serve the skewers alongside Bishara's Cilantro Salad with Olives, Avocado, and Limes.

Featured in “The Friday Fish Fry Has Special Meaning to the Chef of Brooklyn's Tanoreen.”

Ingredients

½ cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. ground fennel seed (optional)
2½ lb. firm, thick fish fillets such as swordfish, striped bass, or halibut, cut into 1-by-2-in. cubes
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely chopped
Arugula or grilled fresh pineapple rings, for serving (optional)
Vegetable oil, for brushing
40 red or yellow cherry tomatoes
Lemon slices, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the cilantro, garlic, salt, black pepper, coriander, cumin, and fennel seed, if using. Add the fish and toss to coat. Let rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, and dill together. Pour the mixture over the spiced fish, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 3

Prepare ten 12-inch metal or (thoroughly soaked) bamboo skewers, shaking off any excess water before using. Line a large platter with arugula or grilled pineapple rings, if using; set aside.

Step 4

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat, and brush lightly with vegetable oil. Thread about 5 pieces of fish onto each skewer, adding a cherry tomato between each piece.

Step 5

Transfer the kebabs to the grill, spacing them at least 2 inches apart; cook, turning once, until the fish is just cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Remove and transfer to the prepared platter. Serve hot with lemon slices, if using.