Yemeni Fish with Rice and Sahawiq is a delicious and flavorful combination of marinated, and baked fish served over a bed of fluffy rice and paired with a tantalizing sauce known as Sahawiq.

If you are looking for a unique and flavorful dish, then Yemeni Fish with Rice and Sahawiq is something that you should definitely try. This Yemeni dish is known for its delicious combination of spices and flavors, which makes it stand out from other fish dishes.

What is Yemeni Fish with Rice and Sahawiq?

Yemeni Fish with Rice and Sahawiq is a dish that has been around for centuries and has been passed down from generation to generation. This dish combines perfectly baked fish with flavorful rice and a spicy middle eastern sauce called Sahawiq, making for a truly unforgettable meal. Whether you are a fan of seafood or not, this Yemini fish and rice recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Yemini Fish with Rice Ingredients

The key to a perfect Yemeni Fish with Rice and Sahawiq is using the right ingredients. Here are the main ingredients you’ll need:

Rice – I have used basmati rice for this recipe. Basmati rice is preferred because of its delicate flavor and long grains. Add spices of your choice to cook rice.

Fish – This recipe is traditionally made with red snapper but I used Mediterranean Sea bass for this recipe.

Spices – Some common spices to marinate fish include lime, cumin, coriander, salt & pepper, pepper paste, and garlic.

Sahawiq Sauce –The sauce combines fresh tomatoes, cream cheese, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, and salt to create a tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy side to drizzle on the top.

How to make Yemini Fish with Rice and Sahawiq

Here is a basic recipe for making Yemeni Fish with Rice:

Make Sahawiq Sauce – In a blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, cream cheese, cilantro, jalapeno, and salt. Blend the ingredients until smooth.

Marinate and Bake the Fish – Squeeze 2 lemons in a bowl, and mix cumin, coriander, salt & pepper, pepper paste, oil, and garlic cloves. Season the fish by rubbing the spice mixture onto the fish fillets. Place the fish fillets in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked and juicy.

Cook the Rice – Heat oil over medium heat and add onion. Add spices of your choice alongside coriander, cumin, cardamoms, cinnamon stick and salt. Toss in soaked rice, followed by water. Cook rice uncovered until starts boiling. Then reduce heat to low, and cook the rice covered for 15 minutes until all the water has been absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

Serve – Spoon a serving of the cooked rice onto each plate, and place a fish fillet on top of the rice with a side of Sahawiq sauce. Serve hot, and enjoy!

FAQ’s

What type of fish is best for Yemini fish with rice recipe?

In the traditional Yemeni fish with rice recipe, red snapper is considered the best choice of fish. This is due to its moist, delicate and mildly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the neutral taste of the rice. The mild flavor of red snapper allows the spices and sauces used in the recipe to shine through, making it a perfect ingredient for this dish.

Can I make the Sahawiq sauce ahead of time?

Sahawiq is best when it’s made just before using it, as the flavor can deteriorate over time. The longer it sits, the worse the taste can become. Therefore, it’s recommended to make sahawiq fresh at the time of serving, rather than making it in advance.

Which rice is best for Yemeni fish with rice?

The best rice for the Yemeni Fish and Rice recipe is long-grain rice, such as Jasmine or Basmati. These types of rice have a fluffy texture and cook to a perfect consistency, making them ideal for this dish. Additionally, they have a mild flavor that pairs well with the marinated fish and Sahawiq sauce. However, any long-grain rice can be used, and you can also choose to use a different type of rice if you prefer.

Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?

The Yemeni Fish with Rice and Sahawiq dish is unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians as it contains fish and cream cheese. You could use a vegan cream cheese alternative or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Yemeni Fish with Rice and Sahawiq

Yemeni Fish with Rice and Sahawiq is a delicious and flavorful combination of marinated, and baked fish served over a bed of fluffy rice and paired with a tantalizing sauce known as Sahawiq.

Ingredients

For Sahawiq

1tbsp cream cheese
3 tomatoes
Cilantro
Jalapeno
Garlic
Salt

For Yemini Fish Marinade

Juice of 2 limes
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
Salt & Pepper
Pepper paste
1 tsp oil
2 Garlic Cloves

For Rice

4 tbsp oil
3 cups of washed and soaked basmati rice
5 ½ cups of water
1 onion
Spices of choice
1 tbsp coriander
½ tsp cumin
5 cardamoms
Cinnamon stick
Salt

Instructions

To make Sahawiq

Add cream cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic and salt in a blender.
Blend on high until smooth and creamy.

To make Yemini Fish

To make Yemini fish marinade, squeeze 2 limes in a medium-sized bowl.
Add cumin, coriander, salt & pepper, pepper paste, oil and garlic cloves.
Gently stir the marinade with a spoon to ensure all the ingredients are mixed.
Cut the fish into 2 pieces and baste the marinade with a brush, coating it well on all sides.
Bake for 30 minutes.

To make the rice

Heat oil in a medium sized-pan, add onion and stir until lightly caramelized.
Add spices of your choice coriander, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon stick and salt.
Toss in washed and soaked rice and mix the ingredients.
Add water, then boil and cover the pan with a lid.
Cook on medium heat for 15 minutes until the water gets soaked in.
Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit undisturbed for at least 10 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and layer baked fish over the bed of rice. Enjoy!

Notes

Marinate the fish in the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. It will allow the flavors to penetrate deep inside the flesh and give it a bold and delicious taste.
Cook the fish to perfection in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked. To test if the fish is fully cooked, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If the fork goes in easily and the fish flakes easily, it's fully cooked.
Use a baking dish that is large enough to fit all of the fish fillets in a single layer. It will ensure that the fish cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the pan.
Adjust the heat if you like your Sahawiq sauce spicier; add more jalapeno pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the jalapeno or omit it altogether.
Serve the Yemeni Fish with Rice and Sahawiq immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.