Fried Fish Iraqi Style
Indulge in the bold and aromatic flavors of Fried Fish Iraqi Style, a delightful dish that captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. This recipe features whole tilapia marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and paprika, creating a symphony of warming spices that penetrate deep into the fish. The tilapia is then lightly coated in flour for a beautifully crisp exterior and fried to golden perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley and served alongside zesty lemon wedges, this Iraqi-inspired dish is perfect when paired with warm flatbread, fluffy rice, or a refreshing salad. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal that’s sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 fish Whole tilapia (cleaned and gutted, about 1.5-2 pounds each)
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves (grated)
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Sunflower or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 pieces Lemon wedges (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Using a sharp knife, score the tilapia by making 2-3 diagonal slashes on each side. This helps the marinade penetrate the fish and allows it to cook evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, coriander, cumin, paprika, grated garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Rub the marinade generously over both sides of the fish, ensuring it gets into the slashes and cavity. Let the fish marinate for at least 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and fill it with about 1 inch of sunflower or vegetable oil. Allow the oil to reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C) for frying.
While the oil heats, dredge each piece of fish in all-purpose flour, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour to ensure a light and crispy coating.
Carefully place one fish into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 5-7 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Flip the fish gently using tongs or a spatula and fry for another 5-7 minutes on the other side.
Once fully cooked, remove the fish from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the second fish.
Once all the fish is fried, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy your Iraqi-style Fried Fish with warm flatbread, rice, or a fresh salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1622 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.2 g | 178% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 134 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 1110 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 66.2 g | 132% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 95 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1248 mg | 27% | |
*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.
