Yassa Poisson Recipe – The Perfect Tangy and Savory Grilled Fish
Yassa Poisson
Today on the Takrecipe website, we bring you a delicious and flavorful dish from West Africa—Yassa Poisson. This traditional Senegalese recipe is a tantalizing combination of grilled fish marinated in a zesty onion and mustard sauce, infused with the vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and chili. Yassa Poisson is a staple in Senegalese cuisine, known for its bold yet balanced taste that perfectly complements a side of fluffy white rice. If you’re a seafood lover looking to explore the rich flavors of African cooking, this dish is a must-try!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 whole fish (snapper, tilapia, or sea bass) cleaned and scaled
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 chili peppers, finely chopped
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- ½ cup green olives
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
Marinating the Fish
Rinse the fish thoroughly and pat it dry with a paper towel. Make shallow diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish to allow the marinade to penetrate. In a large bowl, mix half of the lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Rub this mixture all over the fish, ensuring it gets into the cuts. Cover the fish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor).
Preparing the Onion Sauce
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn soft and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes. Stir in the mustard, vinegar, remaining lemon juice, thyme, bay leaf, and chili peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the water and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 more minutes. Stir in the green olives and remove from heat.
Grilling the Fish
Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated fish on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Combining Everything
Place the grilled fish in the pan with the onion sauce and spoon some of the sauce over the fish. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the fish to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon slices.
Serving
Serve the Yassa Poisson hot with a side of white rice and a fresh vegetable salad. Drizzle some extra sauce over the rice for added flavor.
Cooking Tips
Marination is Key
🟢The longer you marinate the fish, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination works best for the most intense flavors.
Use Fresh Fish
🟢Fresh fish enhances the dish’s taste and texture. Look for firm, bright-eyed fish with a clean, ocean-like smell.
Caramelize the Onions Well
🟢Slowly cooking the onions brings out their natural sweetness, balancing the tangy mustard and lemon flavors.