Kuwaiti Fried Fish with Tahini Sauce
Crispy fried white fish fillets served with a creamy and tangy tahini sauce, a popular and flavorful seafood dish in Kuwaiti cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets(such as hammour, cod, or tilapia, cut into serving pieces)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour(for dredging)
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch(for dredging)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(divided)
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 3-4 cups Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 1/2 cup Tahini
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/4 cup Water(or as needed to reach desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine flour, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, turmeric, and cumin.
- 2
Dredge each fish fillet in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Shake off any excess.
- 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough that a pinch of flour sizzles immediately.
- 4
Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- 5
Remove the fried fish with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt.
- 6
While the fish is frying or draining, prepare the tahini sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gradually add water, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- 7
Serve the hot fried fish immediately, drizzled with the tahini sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating and prevent the fish from absorbing too much oil.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fish.
- ✓The tahini sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Whisk in a little more water before serving if it thickens.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of rice or a fresh Arabic salad.