Bahraini Fish and Rice with Tahini Sauce (Samak ma' Ruz bil Tahina)
Flaky white fish, often fried or baked, served alongside fragrant rice and drizzled with a creamy, nutty tahini sauce. A popular and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets(such as hammour, sea bream, or cod, cut into portions)
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups Water(for cooking rice)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 cup Tahini
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Water(or more, to thin tahini sauce)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder(for fish)
- 1/2 tsp Coriander powder(for fish)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil(for frying fish)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and cook it according to package directions with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.
- 2
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, black pepper, turmeric, and coriander powder.
- 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the fish fillets in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- 4
In a separate saucepan, sauté the finely chopped onion in a little oil until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of water. Gradually add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Season with salt to taste.
- 6
To serve, place a generous portion of cooked rice on each plate. Top with a piece of fried fish. Drizzle liberally with the tahini sauce and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the fish is completely dry before frying to prevent splattering.
- ✓Adjust the consistency of the tahini sauce by adding more water if it's too thick.
- ✓If you prefer not to fry, you can bake the fish fillets at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cumin to the tahini sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with a side of mixed green salad or pickled vegetables.