🇲🇭 Marshallese Cuisine

Ek Furai

Fried Reef Fish

Prep Time 15 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Medium

Calories 343 kcal

Whole reef fish scored, seasoned with salt and lime, and fried in coconut oil until the skin is shatteringly crisp and the flesh is moist and flaky.

Ingredients

4 whole reef fish (rabbitfish or parrotfish, cleaned and scaled)
4 limes, juiced
Salt and pepper
100g cornstarch
Coconut oil for frying
Fresh chili (optional)

Instructions

1 Score fish on both sides with diagonal cuts, 2cm apart.
2 Rub fish inside and out with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Rest 10 minutes.
3 Pat fish dry and dust lightly with cornstarch.
4 Heat coconut oil in a deep skillet to 180°C (350°F).
5 Fry fish 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
6 Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges and chili if desired.

Did You Know?

Marshallese children learn to identify over 200 species of reef fish by name, color, and behavior before they reach adulthood.