Grilled Fish with Rice and Salad

Grilled Fish with Rice and Salad is a delicious and well-balanced meal that combines lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables, making it both satisfying and nutritious. The fish, lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection, provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, which supports heart health and muscle function. Paired with fluffy rice, which offers energy-boosting carbs, this meal is ideal for lunch or dinner, whether you’re looking to eat light or refuel after a busy day. The simplicity of grilling fish ensures that it retains its natural flavors and nutrients without the need for heavy sauces or oils. Grilled Fish with Rice and Salad is one of the healthy dish.

Accompanied by a fresh, vibrant salad, this dish adds a refreshing crunch and a variety of vitamins and minerals, particularly from ingredients like leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette. The salad complements the grilled fish and rice perfectly, offering a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the fish. Whether you’re grilling white fishlike cod or sea bass, or oily fishlike salmon, this meal is easily customizable to your taste and dietary preferences. Grilled Fish with Rice and Salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also a wholesome, nutrient-dense option for those aiming to eat clean and healthy.

Grilled Fish with Rice and Salad

Recipe by Laica LimCourse: Lunch/Dinner, Uncategorized

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Fish:

• 2 large fish fillets (such as hammour or sea bream)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Juice of 1 lemon

• For the Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice

• 1.5 cups water

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• Salt to taste

• For the Salad:

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 2 tomatoes, diced

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Marinate the Fish:
• In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
• Rub the marinade onto the fish fillets and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
• Cook the Rice:
• Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until golden.
• Add the rinsed rice, ground turmeric, and salt, and stir for a minute.
• Add water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
• Grill the Fish:
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Grill the fish fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through and slightly charred.
• Prepare the Salad:
• In a bowl, combine diced cucumber, tomatoes, chopped red onion, and parsley.
• Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss well.
• Serve:
• Plate the grilled fish alongside the turmeric rice.
• Serve the fresh salad on the side.

Tips and Tricks for making Grilled Fish with Rice and Salad:

1. Choose the Right Fish: Opt for firm fishlike salmon, tuna, or sea bass, which hold up well on the grill. If you prefer a lighter option, tilapia or cod are great choices but be sure to handle them carefully as they are more delicate.
2. Marinate for Flavor: Enhance the flavor of your fish by marinating it in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the fish moist and tender. This will make Grilled Fish with Rice and Salad more delicious!
3. Use a Grill Basket: To prevent the fish from sticking or falling apart on the grill, use a grill basket or wrap the fish in foil. This ensures even cooking and makes flipping the fish easier.
4. Cook the Rice Perfectly: For fluffy rice, rinse it thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. Use a ratio of 1:2 (rice to water), bring it to a boil, then simmer covered for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid for perfectly cooked rice.
5. Season the Salad Lightly: Keep the salad fresh and light by dressing it with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper just before serving. This ensures the vegetables stay crisp and don’t become soggy.

Conclusion

Emirati cuisine offers a unique and delightful culinary experience that reflects the country’s rich cultural tapestry and tradition of hospitality. The careful blend of aromatic spices, such as saffron, turmeric, and cardamom, combined with fresh, local ingredients like seafood, dates, and rice, showcases the region’s deep connection to its land and history. Dishes such as Grilled Fish with Rice and Salad highlight this connection, bringing together the fresh flavors of the Arabian Gulf with simple yet flavorful accompaniments like spiced rice and refreshing salads. The use of local seafood, often paired with turmeric rice and a crisp salad, exemplifies the balance of nourishing, clean ingredients in Emirati cuisine.

Furthermore, the combination of these flavors, along with influences from neighboring regions like Persia, India, and East Africa, creates dishes that are not only flavorful but also nourishing and diverse in texture and taste. Whether enjoying a simple grilled fish with turmeric rice and a light salad or a more elaborate feast like Al Machboos or Harees, the essence of Emirati dining lies in its warmth, generosity, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

Each meal is a reflection of the region’s hospitality, where food is seen as a means to bring people together. By exploring these traditional recipes, like Grilled Fish with Rice and Salad, one can appreciate the depth and diversity of Emirati food culture, understanding its significance in both daily life and celebratory occasions. In doing so, Emirati cuisine becomes more than just a meal—it becomes a cherished part of the global culinary landscape, enriching those who partake in it with a true taste of tradition and community. Try this Grilled Fish with Rice and Salad now!