Dive into the flavors of Bahrain with this traditional fried Safi fish recipe. Known for its tender, flavorful flesh, Safi, or Rabbitfish, is marinated in a rich blend of aromatic spices and shallow-fried to golden perfection. This dish captures the essence of Middle Eastern culinary artistry and is perfect for any fish enthusiast looking to explore new palates.
Ingredients
🐟 8 small whole Safi fish, cleaned and gutted
🌻 2-3 tablespoons sunflower oil, for marinating
🍋 Juice from 1 lemon, freshly squeezed
🧄 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
🌰 1 teaspoon nutmeg
🍃 1.5 tablespoons coriander powder
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
⚫ 0.5 teaspoon pepper
🌕 1.5 tablespoons turmeric
🌿 1.5 tablespoons cumin
🌶️ 1 tablespoon red powder
🌻 2-3 cups sunflower oil, for frying
Instructions
1- Prepare the Fish:
- Ensure the Safi fish are thoroughly cleaned, gutted, and slit along the sides.
- Carefully remove the sharp spikes from the top of the fish for safe handling.
2- Marinate the Fish:
- Place the cleaned fish in a large mixing bowl.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower oil and squeeze the juice of one lemon over the fish.
- Add the spices: 2 tablespoons chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1.5 tablespoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon pepper, 1.5 tablespoons turmeric, 1.5 tablespoons cumin, and 1 tablespoon of red powder.
- Mix by hand, ensuring each fish is evenly coated with the marinade.
3- Heat the Oil:
- Pour 2-3 cups of sunflower oil into a large non-stick frying pan.
- Heat it on a stove until the oil is hot.
4- Fry the Fish:
- Place the marinated fish in batches into the hot oil.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry each side of the fish for about 3-4 minutes.
- Ensure the external layer turns golden brown and crispy.
- Use a wide, slotted metal spatula to gently turn and remove the fish from the oil.
- Ensure any excess oil drains off before setting the fish on a serving plate.
5- Repeat the Frying Process:
- Continue frying any remaining fish until all are cooked.
6- Serve the Dish:
- Arrange the fish on a white serving plate.
- Enjoy the dish hot, optionally with sides like rice or salad.
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
Total Time: 20-30 minutes
Servings: Not specified
Equipment: Large mixing bowl, frying pan/skillet, stove/cooker, wide slotted metal spatula, white serving plate
Cooking Tips
- Ensure spikes are properly removed from the fish for safety.
- Smaller Safi fish are preferable for their flavor.
- A Middle Eastern or Gulf curry powder can substitute the individual spice blend.
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Fried Safi Fish
