Mahi Kabab — Persian Grilled Fish Skewers (Best Iranian Food for Fasting)
Prep
20 mins
Cook
12 mins
Total
32 mins
Serves
4
Calories
280 kcal
Why This Works for Intermittent Fasting
Grilled fish kabab is one of the best things you can put in your body after a fast — lean protein, omega-3 fat, zero carbohydrate and very easy to digest. The southern Iranian marinade of turmeric, garlic, lime and a little chilli adds anti-inflammatory compounds without adding a single gram of sugar. Fish matters more than most people realise for fasters. After…
July 25, 2026
Mahi Kabab — Persian Grilled Fish Skewers
Why This Works for Intermittent Fasting
Grilled fish kabab is one of the best things you can put in your body after a fast — lean protein, omega-3 fat, zero carbohydrate and very easy to digest. The southern Iranian marinade of turmeric, garlic, lime and a little chilli adds anti-inflammatory compounds without adding a single gram of sugar.
Fish matters more than most people realise for fasters. After 16+ hours without food, your digestive system responds better to a light, low-fat protein than to a heavy red meat, so mahi kabab is a gentler way to open the window. Omega-3 fats also help control the inflammation that shows up when people fast hard and train hard at the same time. Follow it with electrolytes and intermittent fasting if you feel drained.
Ingredients
- 800 g firm white fish (hamour, sea bass, cod) or salmon, cut into 5 cm chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp chilli powder (optional, southern style)
- 4 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges and fresh herbs, to serve
Method
- Cut the fish into even 5 cm chunks so nothing overcooks.
- Marinate. Mix garlic, turmeric, chilli, lime juice, olive oil and pepper. Coat the fish and refrigerate 30–60 minutes only — lime juice will start cooking the fish if you leave it longer.
- Salt just before grilling.
- Skewer the chunks with a small gap between them.
- Grill over medium-high heat 10–12 minutes, turning once carefully. Fish is done when it flakes easily.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, a herb platter and grilled tomato. No rice, no bread.
Nutrition Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Protein | ~38 g |
| Fat | ~13 g |
| Net carbs | ~2 g |
| Fiber | ~0 g |
Values are approximate; salmon raises fat and calories, white fish lowers them.
Fasting Protocol Compatibility
| Protocol | Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 16:8 | ✅ Yes | Light, easy first meal of the window |
| 18:6 | ✅ Yes | Gentle on the stomach after a long fast |
| OMAD | ✅ Yes | Add avocado or yogurt to raise the calories |
| 5:2 (fast days) | ✅ Yes | White fish is very low calorie |
| 20:4 / Warrior | ✅ Yes | Quick to grill, easy to digest |
Mahi Kabab is proof that fasting-friendly Iranian food is not only about red meat — this is the lightest, most anti-inflammatory way to break a fast on the Persian table.
For the complete guide, get Intermittent Fasting in Practice on Amazon — and claim 3 months free on our fasting app at fastinginpractice.com/redeem.
Nutrition information is approximate. Consult a health professional for personalised nutrition advice.
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