Ethiopian Style Fried Whole Fish (Asa Tibs) recipe served on a plate, by Pekin the Chef
Aug 11 2026
RestaurantsErta Ale EthiopianEthiopian Style Fried Whole Fish (asa Tibs) Recipe

Ethiopian Style Fried Whole Fish (asa Tibs) Recipe

Inspired by Erta Ale Ethiopian
Time1h
Serves4

Pan-fried spiced fish, with olive oil roasted served with rice and salad.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

Method

Cooking Instructions

1

Prepare the Fish

Clean, scale, and pat the fish dry with paper towels. Make 3-4 diagonal cuts on each side of the fish to help it cook evenly.

2

Marinate the Fish

In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, paprika, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Rub this mixture all over the fish, including inside the cuts. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

3

Heat the Pan

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil to coat the bottom.

4

Fry the Fish

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated fish in the skillet. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through.

5

Serve

Remove the fish from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with rice and a fresh salad on the side.

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