Appetizer · Middle Eastern · Main Course ·

Zesty Egyptian Feseekh with Fermented Fish and Lemon

Name: Zesty Egyptian Feseekh with Fermented Fish and Lemon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 2 whole mullet fish, cleaned and gutted; Sea salt, as needed for brining; 2 large lemons, juiced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed; 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 4 flatbreads, warmed; 1 large tomato, diced

A traditional Egyptian dish of fermented, salted fish delicately infused with lemon notes, served with a tangy garnish.

4.1(801 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 5, 2025

Zesty Egyptian Feseekh with Fermented Fish and Lemon — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Difficulty

Advanced

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Feseekh

For the Lemon Dressing

For the Garnish

For the Accompaniments

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 369 kcal
Protein: 25.5 g
Carbs: 38.75 g
Fat: 11.5 g
Fiber: 2.75 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1476 kcal
Protein: 102 g
Carbs: 155 g
Fat: 46 g
Fiber: 11 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 whole mullet fish cleaned and gutted	500	80	0	20	0
Sea salt as needed for brining	0	0	0	0	0
2 large lemons juiced	20	1	7	0	1
1 tablespoon olive oil	120	0	0	14	0
1 teaspoon coriander seeds crushed	5	0	1	0	1
2 cloves garlic thinly sliced	8	0	2	0	0
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley	1	0	0	0	0
4 flatbreads warmed	800	20	140	12	8
1 large tomato diced	22	1	5	0	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Feseekh

1
Clean and Dry Fish
Thoroughly clean and dry the fish.
2
Salt the Fish
Generously salt the fish both inside and out, ensuring even coverage.
3
Brine and Refrigerate
Store in a glass container and press the fish with a weight, then refrigerate for 2 weeks.
Tip: Use a refrigerator-safe weight to keep the fish pressed and prevent contamination.

Preparing the Lemon Dressing

1
Combine Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and crushed coriander seeds.
2
Adjust Seasoning
Adjust seasoning to taste, if necessary.
3
Set Aside
Set aside for serving.

How to Make Zesty Egyptian Feseekh with Fermented Fish and Lemon

Total time: 1 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Fermentation
Allow the salted fish to ferment in the refrigerator for two weeks.
2
Dressing
Prepare the lemon dressing fresh on the day of serving.
3
Final Assembly
Once fermented, rinse excess salt from the fish before serving.