Main Course · Dinner · African ·

Aromatic Tanzanian Samaki wa Kupaka

Name: Aromatic Tanzanian Samaki wa Kupaka
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Firm white fish fillets, 4 pieces (tilapia or halibut); Lime juice, From 2 limes; Grated ginger, 1 tablespoon; Garlic (minced), 2 cloves; Salt, 1 teaspoon; Ground coriander, 1 teaspoon; Coconut milk, 2 cups; Curry powder, 1 tablespoon; Turmeric, 1 teaspoon; Onion (finely chopped), 1 small; Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons; Salt, To taste; Lime wedges, From 1 lime; Fresh cilantro, Chopped

A fragrant Tanzanian fish dish marinated and cooked in a rich coconut sauce infused with lime and spices, capturing the vibrant flavors of East African cuisine.

4.6(891 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 7, 2026

Aromatic Tanzanian Samaki wa Kupaka — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Fish Marinade

For the Coconut Sauce

For the Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 388 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbs: 10.3 g
Fat: 31.3 g
Fiber: 2 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1550 kcal
Protein: 88 g
Carbs: 41 g
Fat: 125 g
Fiber: 8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Firm white fish fillets 4 pieces (tilapia or halibut)	400	78	0	8	0
Lime juice From 2 limes	20	0	7	0	0
Grated ginger 1 tablespoon	5	0	1	0	0
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves	10	0	2	0	0
Salt 1 teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0
Ground coriander 1 teaspoon	5	0	1	0	0
Coconut milk 2 cups	800	8	16	88	4
Curry powder 1 tablespoon	20	1	3	1	2
Turmeric 1 teaspoon	8	0	1	0	0
Onion (finely chopped) 1 small	30	1	7	0	1
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons	240	0	0	28	0
Salt To taste	0	0	0	0	0
Lime wedges From 1 lime	10	0	3	0	1
Fresh cilantro Chopped	2	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Fish

1
Combine Marinade
In a bowl, combine lime juice, ginger, garlic, salt, and ground coriander.
2
Marinate Fillets
Coat the fish fillets with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3
Rotate Fillets
Turn the fillets occasionally to ensure even marinating.

Preparing the Coconut Sauce

1
Heat Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2
Sauté Onions
Sauté the onions until translucent.
3
Spice Infusion
Add curry powder and turmeric; cook for another minute.
Tip: Avoid overcooking the sauce to prevent it from splitting. For added heat, include a chopped chili in the sauce preparation.

How to Make Aromatic Tanzanian Samaki wa Kupaka

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Simmering the Sauce
Add coconut milk to the sautéed spices, stirring occasionally, and simmer until slightly thickened.
2
Cooking the Fish
Remove fish from marinade and gently add to the simmering sauce; cook until the fish is tender and flakes easily with a fork.
3
Finishing Touches
Adjust seasoning and finish with a squeeze of lime before serving.