Sayadeya
Egyptian Fish and Rice
Sayadeya is a classic Egyptian dish from the coastal city of Alexandria, featuring tender fish served atop a bed of fragrant rice deeply flavored with caramelized onions and warm spices. The key to this dish is the rich, almost burnt-sugar sweetness of the onions, which forms the base of the rice's flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g White fish fillets
- 400 g Long-grain rice
- 4 large Yellow onions
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 500 ml Fish stock
- 3 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Caramelize the onions: Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 30-45 minutes, or until the onions are deeply browned, very soft, and have a rich, sweet aroma. Be patient; this deep caramelization is crucial for the dish's flavor. If they start to burn, reduce the heat and stir more often. You want them to be a deep mahogany color, almost like burnt sugar.
⏱️ 30-45 minutes - 2
Prepare the fish: While the onions are caramelizing, season the fish portions generously with salt and pepper. You can either pan-fry the fish in a separate skillet with a little oil until golden brown and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness), or grill them until flaky. Set the cooked fish aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Cook the rice: Once the onions are deeply caramelized, remove about half of them from the pot and set aside for garnish. To the remaining onions in the pot, add the rinsed rice, cumin, and fish stock. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Let it steam, covered, off the heat for another 5 minutes.
⏱️ 25-30 minutes - 4
Assemble and serve: Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork. Spoon the rice onto a serving platter. Arrange the cooked fish portions on top of the rice. Garnish with the reserved caramelized onions. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The deep, dark caramelization of the onions is the most important step for authentic Sayadeya flavor. Don't rush this process.
- ✓This dish is a staple along the Egyptian coast, particularly in Alexandria, where fresh seafood is abundant.
- ✓Cumin is the signature spice for Sayadeya, providing its characteristic warmth and aroma. Ensure you use good quality ground cumin.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use different types of firm white fish, or even shrimp or calamari.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or coriander along with the cumin for a different spice profile.
- Serve with a side of tahini sauce or a simple tomato and cucumber salad.