Whole30 Masgouf is a healthy twist on Iraq's iconic dish, celebrating its bold, smoky flavors while adhering to Whole30 guidelines. Perfectly grilled fresh white fish, such as carp, is seasoned with a vibrant blend of smoked paprika, sumac, and garlic, then stuffed with zesty lemon slices for an irresistible aroma. This gluten-, dairy-, and sugar-free recipe offers a clean and satisfying dining experience, with a crispy char on the outside and tender, flaky flesh inside. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cilantro, this dish is a feast for the senses. Ready in just under an hour, Whole30 Masgouf pairs beautifully with crisp salads or hearty steamed vegetables, making it the ideal centerpiece for a wholesome and flavorful meal.
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, making sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the fish from sticking.
Rinse the fish thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure it is fully scaled and gutted.
Score the skin of the fish with 3 or 4 shallow cuts on each side, which will help the marinade penetrate better.
In a small bowl, mix together sea salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, ground sumac, and minced garlic.
Rub the mixture all over the fish, ensuring you get it into the scored cuts as well.
Drizzle olive oil over the fish and rub it evenly across the surface.
Lay the lemon slices into the cavity of the fish for extra flavor.
Carefully place the fish on the preheated grill and cook for about 15 minutes on each side, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the fish from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Sprinkle chopped parsley and cilantro over the fish just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Serve the Masgouf with a salad or steamed vegetables for a complete Whole30 meal.
Calories |
1528 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 82.1 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 635 mg | 212% | |
| Sodium | 5225 mg | 227% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.5 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.9 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g | ||
| Protein | 169.5 g | 339% | |
| Vitamin D | 27.2 mcg | 136% | |
| Calcium | 842 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 18.6 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 4104 mg | 87% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.