A lighter twist on Israel’s staple chicken or turkey schnitzel, the fish is seasoned with hawaij, a Yemenite spice blend, then encrusted with kataifi pastry. This pastry, also known as kadaif, is a shredded phyllo dough that’s so fine it’s thread-like, and makes for an extremely satisfying crunch.
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Fish Schnitzel with Kataifi
A fresh, light, super crunchy twist on a classic that the whole family will love.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 Tbsp hawaij (2 parts ground turmeric, 2 parts ground cumin, 1 part ground black pepper)
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- 4 sole or tilapia fillets
- 2 cups kataifi, chopped
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp nigella seeds
- ½ stick butter
- 1 Tbsp preserved lemon, sliced
- 1 Tbsp capers
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Crack the eggs and beat with the hawaij and salt. Place the fish filets in a baking dish and pour the egg mixture on top. Set aside to soak for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix the kataifi with the sesame seeds and nigella in another baking dish. Remove the fish from the batter and place in the kataifi mixture to encrust the fish on both sides.
- Heat the butter in a sauteé pan over medium heat until the foam begins to subside. Cook the fish schnitzel for 3 minutes per side or until the exterior is crispy and golden brown. Transfer the fish to a plate.
- Add the preserved lemon, capers, and parsley to the pan. Add 2 Tbsp of water and swirl the pan to create a sauce. Spoon over the fish and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Quick
- Cuisine: Israeli
What’s kataifi
“This pastry, also known as kadaif, is a shredded phyllo dough that’s so fine it’s thread-like, and makes for an extremely satisfying crunch,” writes Michael Solomonov. You can find it on Amazon or Middle Eastern Grocery stores.
Where do you buy kataifi in NYC?
You can find it on Amazon or Middle Eastern grocery stores.
What are nigella seeds? Can I use something else?
Nigella seeds are also known as black cumin or onion seeds. They have a flavorful, savory taste — sort of like cumin. You could substitute them for more sesame seeds or leave them out.
What is katiafia?
I have never heard of it
Ruth Singer
“This pastry, also known as kadaif, is a shredded phyllo dough that’s so fine it’s thread-like, and makes for an extremely satisfying crunch,” writes Michael Solomonov. You can find it on Amazon or Middle Eastern Grocery stores.
Where in earth does one find Kadaif or Nigella seeds?. I’ve not seen them in any supermarkets. In Naples, FL
Hi Denise, you can find both on Amazon, in Middle Eastern grocery stores, and Whole Foods stocks Nigella seeds.