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Whole Moroccan chermoula grilled fish with herbs, lemon, and spices

Moroccan · Morocco

Moroccan Chermoula Grilled Fish (Poisson Chermoula)

Atlantic Morocco on a plate — whole fish rubbed with chermoula and blistered over charcoal.

Prépa

25 min

Cuisson

20 min

Portions

4

Difficulté

Medium

Chermoula is Morocco’s green-gold seafood rub: coriander, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika, lemon, and olive oil. On a whole fish over charcoal it is the coastal classic that connects Casablanca grills to home kitchens.

Choose a firm white fish such as sea bream, sea bass, or a small grouper. After you cook it, compare restaurant versions via our Casablanca and Morocco seafood guides.

Préparation

  1. 1

    Blend the chermoula

    Pound or blitz coriander, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika, chilli, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt into a thick paste. Taste and adjust salt and lemon.

  2. 2

    Score and marinate

    Pat the fish dry. Score both sides deeply. Rub chermoula inside and out, into the slits. Rest 20–40 minutes (not overnight — acid softens the surface).

  3. 3

    Grill over charcoal or a hard plancha

    Cook over medium-hot coals 8–12 minutes per side depending on thickness, until the flesh near the bone is opaque. Use a fish basket if the grill is sticky.

  4. 4

    Rest and serve

    Rest 3 minutes. Spoon over any remaining chermoula thinned with olive oil and lemon. Serve with bread, salad, and lemon wedges.

Conseils du chef

  • Dry fish before the rub or it steams instead of charring.
  • Medium-hot coals beat raging flames — you want cooked bone and blistered skin, not charcoal crust only.
  • If grilling is impossible, roast at 220°C / 425°F on a hot tray after a hard pan sear.

Sea bass species guide

Au restaurant

Envie de la version restaurant à Casablanca ? Voir les restaurants de fruits de mer à Casablanca · Morocco

FAQ — Moroccan Chermoula Grilled Fish (Poisson Chermoula)

Can I use fish fillets?
Yes. Marinate briefly and grill 3–5 minutes per side. Whole fish stays juicier for sharing.
How spicy is chermoula?
Usually warm, not searing. Start mild with chilli and let guests add heat at the table.