Introduction
Dubai is a paradise for seafood lovers, boasting a rich culinary heritage influenced by Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re dining in a luxurious restaurant or exploring the vibrant Fish Market Dubai, you’ll find an array of delectable seafood starters. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate these dishes at home, this guide provides detailed recipes and step-by-step instructions.
What Makes Dubai’s Seafood Starters Special?
Dubai’s seafood starters are known for their fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and flavorful marinades. The city’s coastal location ensures access to premium seafood, while its diverse culinary influences bring a fusion of taste and tradition to each dish.
Top Seafood Starters in Dubai
Below are some of the most sought-after seafood starters in Dubai that you can enjoy in local eateries or prepare at home:
Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter
Spiced Calamari Rings
Arabic-Style Fish Kebabs
Dubai-Style Seafood Soup
Crispy Fish Tikka Bites
Recipes for Dubai’s Best Seafood Starters
Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
- 500g fresh prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Coat the prawns with the garlic butter mixture and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
Skewer the prawns and grill them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Spiced Calamari Rings
Ingredients:
- 500g squid rings
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Mix flour, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
Dip each squid ring into the flour mixture, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a pan and fry the squid rings until golden brown.
Drain excess oil on a paper towel and serve with lemon wedges.
Arabic-Style Fish Kebabs
Ingredients:
- 500g white fish fillet (cubed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
Mix olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Marinate the fish cubes in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the fish onto skewers and grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Serve hot with a side of garlic yogurt dip.
Dubai-Style Seafood Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed seafood (prawns, fish, squid)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 cups fish stock
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the fish stock and bring to a simmer.
Add the seafood and cook for 5-7 minutes.
Stir in coconut milk and let simmer for another 3 minutes.
Serve hot with fresh bread.
Crispy Fish Tikka Bites
Ingredients:
- 500g fish fillets (cut into cubes)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup gram flour
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, lemon juice, and salt to make a marinade.
Coat the fish cubes with the marinade and let them rest for 30 minutes.
Heat oil and coat the marinated fish with gram flour before frying.
Fry until golden brown and serve hot.
FAQs on Dubai’s Seafood Starters
1. Where can I buy the freshest seafood in Dubai?
You can find the freshest seafood at the Fish Market Dubai, which offers a variety of local and imported seafood.
2. What is the best fish to use for kebabs?
White fish like hammour, kingfish, or snapper is ideal for making Arabic-style fish kebabs due to its firm texture.
3. How do I make my calamari extra crispy?
For extra crispy calamari, use a double-coating method by dipping in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs before frying.
4. What are the health benefits of seafood starters?
Seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that support heart health and brain function.
5. Can I substitute fish with other seafood?
Yes! You can replace fish with prawns or squid in most recipes for a different texture and flavor.