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!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside.

Step 3

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

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

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

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

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

Step 8: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and fold in the chopped cilantro.

Step 9

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

Serving size	(2094.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2253.1

Total Fat 120.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.2g
Cholesterol 220mg	0%
Sodium 4133.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 185.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.2g	0%
Total Sugars 12.7g
Protein 114.6g	0%

Vitamin D 800IU	0%
Calcium 319.3mg	0%
Iron 16.3mg	0%
Potassium 2621.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.5%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 32.4%