Fried Fish with Rice Kuwaiti Emirati
Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Gulf with this traditional recipe for Fried Fish with Rice, a Kuwaiti and Emirati culinary gem. Perfectly spiced fish fillets, marinated in turmeric, cumin, coriander, and lemon juice, are pan-fried to crispy golden perfection. Paired with fragrant basmati rice infused with classic Middle Eastern spices like cinnamon, black lime (loomi), and cardamom, this dish is a harmonious blend of bold, aromatic flavors. The tender rice is complemented by sautéed onions, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Ideal for dinner gatherings or a special family feast, this recipe celebrates the rich heritage of Gulf cuisine while offering a wholesome and delicious experience. Whether you’re exploring Arabian flavors or savoring nostalgic comfort food, this Kuwaiti-Emirati Fried Fish with Rice is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Fish fillets (e.g., kingfish or grouper)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Garlic paste
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups Water
- 1 large Onion, finely sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 large Tomato, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Ground black lime (loomi)
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 4 pods Cardamom pods
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric (for rice)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic paste, salt, and lemon juice to create a marinade. Rub the marinade over the fish fillets, ensuring even coverage. Let the fish marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onion until golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped tomato, ground black lime (loomi), cinnamon, cardamom pods, bay leaf, and turmeric. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Step 5: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with the spices. Pour in the water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: While the rice is cooking, prepare the fish. Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Dredge the marinated fish lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess.
Step 7: Fry the fish fillets in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 8: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and fold in the chopped cilantro.
Step 9: Serve the fried fish on a platter alongside the spiced rice. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and enjoy your Kuwaiti Emirati-inspired meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2253 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 120.5 g | 154% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.7 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 220 mg | 73% | |
| Sodium | 4134 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 185.2 g | 67% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.2 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.7 g | ||
| Protein | 114.6 g | 229% | |
| Vitamin D | 20.0 mcg | 100% | |
| Calcium | 319 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 2621 mg | 56% | |
*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.
