Fish Matbak with Onions

A Traditional Gulf Ramadan Main Dish

Fish Matbak with onions is a well-known traditional dish in Gulf cuisine. It combines the rich flavor of seasoned fish and caramelized onions with fragrant rice infused with spices. This hearty and satisfying meal is especially popular during Ramadan gatherings and family feasts.

⏱ Cooking Time

60 minutes

🍽 Serves

5 people

Ingredients

Fish Marinade Spices

• 1 tablespoon fish spice mix

• 1 tablespoon turmeric

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• ½ tablespoon salt

• 1 tablespoon vinegar

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Rice Spices

• 1 teaspoon curry powder

• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns

• 3 cloves

• 3 cardamom pods

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• Salt to taste

Sauté (Hashwa) Spices

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon fish spice mix

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

Main Ingredients

• 1 kg kingfish (marinated, cut into slices)

• 3 cups rice

• 2 onions (sliced)

• 2 hot chili peppers (sliced)

• 3 bell peppers (sliced)

• ½ cup fresh coriander (chopped)

Preparation Method

1. In a bowl, mix the fish spices (turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, vinegar, and olive oil). Coat the fish slices well and let them marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish slices until golden brown. Set aside.

3. Boil the rice with the rice spices (curry, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and salt) until it reaches three-quarters cooked. Drain and set aside.

4. In two tablespoons of the frying oil, sauté the sliced onions, chili peppers, and bell peppers until softened. Add the sauté spice mix and stir well.

5. In a large pot, spread half of the rice at the bottom. Add the onion and pepper mixture on top, then arrange the fried fish slices evenly. Cover with the remaining rice.

6. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the flavors blend together.

Serve hot as a flavorful and filling Ramadan main course.