Baked Sesame-Crusted Croaker Fish with Steamed Callaloo
Whole croaker fillets baked in a toasted sesame crust, served over garlicky steamed callaloo greens.
Croaker is a mild, flaky white fish that's a familiar sight at West African fish markets, and baking it under a crust of toasted sesame seeds gives it a nutty crunch without any deep-frying. A quick pan of garlicky callaloo on the side turns this into a complete, colorful plate.
Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium, a mineral often highlighted around menopause and midlife bone health, while the fish itself contributes lean protein and some omega-3 fats. Callaloo, like other dark leafy greens, adds its own calcium along with antioxidant-rich vitamin C and beta-carotene, nutrients that support the skin-friendly nutrient profile many people look for as they age.
Look for croaker fillets at a West African or Caribbean market, or swap in tilapia or another mild white fish. The sesame crust works equally well on either.
Ingredients
Most ingredients here are everyday market staples across West Africa. A handful of specialty items may be easiest to find at a local open-air market or an African grocery store if you're elsewhere.
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