İrem AkşitPremier Commis
06 June 2026 Last updated: 11 September 2026

A traditional dish from the banks of the Tigris, masgouf is made by butterflying a whole fish and grilling it slowly over a wood fire. This simple version uses olive oil, salt, and pomegranate molasses, and is one of the most enduring dishes of Iraqi cuisine.

Step by Step

How to make it?

1

Prepare the Fish

20 min

Butterfly the fish by opening it flat like a book. Rub the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, cumin, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper marinade over both sides.

2

Rest

20 min

Let it rest for 20 minutes.

3

Grill

40 min

Grill the fish over medium heat, either on a grill or under the oven broiler, for 35–40 minutes, brushing it with the marinade occasionally, until the skin is crisp and the flesh is fully cooked.

4

Serve

Serve hot; an onion and parsley salad makes a good accompaniment.

Reminder

Best enjoyed fresh. Cooked fish can be refrigerated for 1 day; reheat it in the oven. Allergen: The ingredients list indicates that this dish contains fish. Check packaged-product labels for other allergens.

Nutritional Values · 1 serving

Values are estimates
380 kcalCalories
34 gProtein
4 gCarbohydrate
25 gFat
0.5 gFiber
2 gSugar
480 mgSodium
4 gSaturated Fat
Protein 36% Carbohydrate 4% Fat 60%
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