Sayadeya (Egyptian Fish with Rice)

Sayadeya is a delicious and aromatic Egyptian dish that features fish cooked with rice in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It is a popular dish along the coastal regions of Egypt, where fresh fish is readily available. Sayadeya showcases the rich flavors of the sea combined with fragrant spices, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

Medium
đŸ„˜ Egyptian
Ingredients
Everything you'll need to make this recipe
1

500 grams white fish fillets (such as tilapia)

2

2 cups rice

3

2 tablespoons olive oil

4

1 large onion, finely chopped

5

3 cloves garlic, minced

6

1 cup tomato sauce

7

2 teaspoons ground cumin

8

1 teaspoon ground paprika

9

1 teaspoon ground coriander

10

Salt to taste

11

Black pepper to taste

12

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

13

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
Step-by-step guide to making this recipe
1

Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut them into medium-sized pieces and set aside.

2

In a mixing bowl, combine the rice with enough water to cover it completely. Let it soak for about 15 minutes, then drain the water.

15 minutes

3

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

4

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.

5

Add the drained rice to the skillet and stir well to coat the rice with the onion and garlic mixture.

6

Pour in the tomato sauce and add the ground cumin, ground paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine the ingredients and distribute the spices evenly.

7

Place the fish fillets on top of the rice mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the dish simmer on low heat for about 20–25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the rice is tender.

20–25 minutes

8

Once the fish and rice are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

9

Garnish the sayadeya with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish and rice.

Notes
  • ‱Sayadeya is often enjoyed with a side salad or a traditional Egyptian condiment called "dakka" (a mixture of spices, herbs, and nuts).