Sayadieh Samak
Fisherman's Style Fish and Rice
Sayadieh Samak is a traditional Palestinian dish featuring fragrant rice cooked with caramelized onions and spices, topped with pan-fried fish. It's a beloved coastal specialty, particularly associated with cities like Jaffa and Gaza, and its name derives from the Arabic word for 'fisherman'.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 pounds White fish fillets (such as cod, snapper, or barramundi)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup Olive oil(divided)
- 3 large Large yellow onions(thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice or Basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Fish spice blend or Baharat
- 2 teaspoons Salt(divided)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 cups Water or Fish/Vegetable stock
- 1 half Lemon(for serving (optional))
- 1/3 cup Pine nuts or slivered almonds(toasted, for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry. In a shallow dish, combine flour with 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper, and the fish spice blend. Coat the fish fillets in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the fish is dry helps the flour coating adhere better. - 2
Fry the fish: Heat about 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the fish in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd the pan. Remove the fish and set aside on a plate. Reserve the frying oil in the skillet.
- 3
Caramelize the onions: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet with the reserved fish oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for achieving deeply caramelized onions. - 4
Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the caramelized onions and garlic. Stir in the turmeric, cumin, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to coat the rice grains with the oil and spices.
💡 Tip: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, leading to fluffier grains. - 5
Cook the rice: Pour in the water or stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- 6
Assemble and serve: Gently place the fried fish fillets on top of the cooked rice. Cover the pot and let it steam for another 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with toasted pine nuts or almonds if desired. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a great addition.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The oil used to fry the fish is crucial for flavoring the rice.
- ✓Don't rush the caramelization of the onions; it's essential for the dish's flavor.
- ✓Adjust spices to your preference. Some variations include cinnamon or cardamom.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add shrimp along with the fish for a seafood medley.
- Incorporate a layer of sliced tomatoes on the bottom of the pot before adding the rice for extra moisture and flavor.