Dubai-Style Fried Fish Recipe – A Local Favorite

Introduction

Dubai, known for its stunning skyline and luxurious lifestyle, is also a food paradise. One of the most loved street food delicacies is Dubai-style fried fish. This dish is famous for its crispy golden crust, aromatic Middle Eastern spices, and succulent fish fillet that melts in your mouth. Found in local eateries and seafood markets, this fried fish is often enjoyed with rice, flatbreads, or as a snack with garlic sauce. Whether you’re visiting a Fish Market Dubai or preparing it at home, this recipe brings the authentic flavors of Dubai right to your kitchen.

What Makes Dubai-Style Fried Fish Unique?

Dubai’s fried fish stands out due to its spice blend, marination process, and frying technique. The fish is coated with a mix of turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili, and dried lime powder (loomi), which gives it a distinct Middle Eastern aroma. The marinade, a blend of garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and yogurt, ensures that the fish remains juicy and tender on the inside while crisping up perfectly on the outside. Deep-fried to perfection, the result is a crunchy, flavorful seafood delight that pairs beautifully with Fish In Dubai dishes such as rice pilaf or Arabic bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this iconic dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 500g white fish fillet (Hamour, Kingfish, or Snapper)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp dried lime powder (loomi)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup gram flour (besan) or all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornflour
• 1 egg (optional, for extra crispiness)
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions

Prepare the Fish

Start by rinsing the fish fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut them into medium-sized pieces if necessary. This ensures even frying and a crisp texture.

Marinate the Fish

In a bowl, mix lemon juice, yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, and all dry spices. Coat the fish evenly with this mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (for best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator).

Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, mix gram flour, cornflour, and beaten egg (if using). This mixture will create a crunchy exterior.

Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a small amount of batter—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Coat and Fry the Fish

Dip the marinated fish into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Carefully place the fish in the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain an even temperature.

Drain and Serve

Once fried, remove the fish and drain excess oil on a paper towel. Serve immediately with tahini sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy harissa dip for an authentic Dubai experience.

Now, you’re ready to enjoy Dubai-style fried fish—a crispy, flavorful dish that captures the essence of the Fish In Dubai culinary scene!

FAQs About Dubai-Style Fried Fish

1. What is the best fish to use for Dubai-style fried fish?

The best options are Hamour, Kingfish, or Snapper, as they hold up well during frying and absorb the spices beautifully.

2. Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, frying gives it the authentic crunch.

3. Where can I find authentic Dubai spices?

Local Fish Market Dubai stalls or specialty Middle Eastern stores offer the best spice blends to recreate this recipe authentically.

4. How do I make the coating extra crispy?

Adding a little cornflour and egg to the batter enhances crispiness.

5. What side dishes go well with Dubai-style fried fish?

Pair it with saffron rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh Arabic salad for a complete meal.