3 Bold Sauces for Quick Fish and Chicken Meals
Tired of the same old dinner routine? It’s time to awaken your taste buds with bold African flavors that transform ordinary fish and chicken into extraordinary meals. Enter Chermoula, Harissa, and Peri Peri — three iconic pan sauces that bring heat, herbs, and zest to your plate.
What These Sauces Do for Your Food
Each sauce isn’t just a topping — it’s a flavor powerhouse that enhances the natural qualities of your fish, chicken, or even vegetables, making every bite a journey.
Chermoula: Fresh, Herbal, and Bright
Chermoula works wonders with delicate proteins like fish, thanks to its fresh herbs and citrus that brighten and complement rather than overpower. When paired with chicken, it adds a vibrant, zesty lift that cuts through the meat’s richness, creating balance and freshness.
On fish: It enhances the ocean-fresh taste while adding an aromatic herbal punch. Think grilled or pan-seared fish with that perfect tangy finish.
On chicken: It adds freshness and complexity, making roast or grilled chicken feel light, fragrant, and irresistibly flavorful.
Harissa: Smoky Heat That Builds Depth
Harissa’s smoky, spicy notes are ideal for heartier proteins like chicken. It adds warmth and complexity, creating a deep, layered flavor that intensifies with cooking. For fish, it’s a bold flavor partner that can stand up to richer, fattier varieties like salmon or mackerel without overwhelming them.
On chicken: Harissa creates a smoky, fiery crust that’s perfect for grilling or roasting — your taste buds will thank you for the kick.
On fish: It adds a punchy spice layer, especially great with oily fish, giving them a fiery upgrade that’s rich and vibrant.
Peri Peri: Tangy, Fiery, and Versatile
Peri Peri’s bright acidity and fiery chilies make it a versatile champion for both fish and chicken. The lemon and vinegar notes cut through fat and protein, making it ideal for grilled or pan-fried dishes.
On chicken: It creates that classic fiery, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, keeping the meat juicy with a spicy zing.
On fish: Perfect for firm, meaty fish like swordfish or tuna, Peri Peri adds a zesty heat that wakes up every bite without masking the natural flavor.
How to Make These Sauces at Home
Chermoula: Blend fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, and coriander until smooth.
Harissa: Roast red peppers, chili, and garlic; blend with smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, and olive oil for a smoky paste.
Peri Peri: Mix African bird’s eye chilies (or serranos), garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and herbs into a tangy, spicy sauce.
Why These Sauces Matter
These sauces aren’t just add-ons — they bring life to your dishes. They brighten, spice, or deepen flavors, making even the simplest weeknight meal memorable. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and keep in your fridge for an instant upgrade anytime.
Ready to spice up your fish and chicken dinners?
Try these African-inspired sauces for a quick, bold flavor boost that will have you rethinking what’s possible in your kitchen.
3 Bold Sauces for Quick Fish and Chicken Meals
Juicy, tender croaker fish with a flavorful seasoned crust and three African-inspired sauces—Chermoula, Peri-Peri, and Harissa. Each portion is generous, perfect for a solo dinner with bold flavor and crispy-tender fish.
Ingredients
- 3 small-medium croakers, cleaned
- 3 tsp paprika
- 3 tsp ground coriander
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tsp herbed salt
- 2–3 tbsp flour (for dusting)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 lemon slices
- 2–3 garlic cloves, sliced or lightly crushed
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- A few sprigs fresh dill
- 3 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 ½ tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ small onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, unpeeled
- 1 small red chili or ½ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- 1–2 tsp chili flakes (depending on your taste)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix paprika, coriander, garlic powder, black pepper, and herbed salt. Use part of this mix to season flour.
- Rub each fish with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over all fish, then lightly dust with the seasoned flour.
- Stuff each fish with lemon slices, garlic, thyme, and dill.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place fish in foil on a rack over a baking tray. Bake 12–15 mins until just cooked through.
- Chermoula: Mix parsley, cilantro, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice into a loose paste.
- Peri-Peri: Roast onion, pepper, and garlic under broiler ~20 mins until lightly charred. Peel garlic, then blend with smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, chili, vinegar, and oregano into a smooth paste.
- Harissa: Mix cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, chili flakes, garlic, olive oil, and salt into a thick paste.
- Remove from foil. Spoon your chosen sauce over each fish, baste with drippings, and broil 3–5 mins for a lightly caramelized top.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
- The measurements for each sauce are for one fish. I made larger portions to save extras for other recipes.
- Dry rub quantities are enough for all three fish.
- Bake the fish in foil first to keep it juicy, then remove foil before spooning on the sauces.
- Broil briefly after adding sauce to caramelize the top without overcooking.
- Extra sauce can be served on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
250Fat (grams)
10 gCarbs (grams)
3 gFiber (grams)
1 gProtein (grams)
28 gI am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.