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As many fish lovers know, some of the best dishes are very simple. This dish is just that: it takes very little time yet is filled with flavor. Many varieties of flat white fish can be used. You might even try it on flattened chicken breasts. The cilantro-aioli is a contemporary, less fattening version of the beloved sauce.

See other related recipes in Turmeric—A Golden Opportunity 

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 to 15 minutes
Shelf life: fish 1 day; aioli: at least 1 week under refrigeration

Ingredients 

Aioli
2 ounces cilantro
½ ounce garlic cloves
4 ounces plain Greek yogurt, preferably not nonfat
2 ounces coconut oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
⅛ to ¼ teaspoon turmeric
¼ teaspoon salt

Fish
4 ounces finely shredded unsweetened coconut
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground mustard
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch cayenne
4 (5- to 6-ounce) flounder, or other flat white fish fillets, blotted dry
1 large egg
Coconut oil

Method

1. Make the aioli: In a food processor or electric blender, combine the cilantro, garlic, and yogurt and purée until smooth. Add the coconut oil, mustard, and salt and blend. Scrape into a squeeze container and set aside until needed.
2. For the fish: In a flat dish, stir together the coconut, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, mustard, pepper, and cayenne until well blended. 
3. Beat the egg in a flat dish. Dip each fillet into the egg, letting the excess fall back into the dish. Transfer to the coconut-spice mixture and coat well.  
4. Melt the coconut oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat until hot and rippling. Add the fish fillets and cook until golden brown, turn and cook the second side until browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove, drizzle on the aioli, and serve. Alternatively, spoon the aioli alongside the fillets.