Daqoos & Zubaidi Maqli (Crispy Spiced Kuwaiti Fish with Garlic-Tomato Sauce) – Authentic Kuwait Recipe
Crispy golden Gulf fish served alongside Kuwait’s indispensable garlicky tomato daqoos sauce.
- Country of Origin
- 🇰🇼 Kuwait (Middle East, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Crisp turmeric-and-coriander crusted white fish fillets, Saffron rice, Warm garlic-tomato daqoos sauce, Turmeric, Coriander
Ingredients for Daqoos & Zubaidi Maqli (Crispy Spiced Kuwaiti Fish with Garlic-Tomato Sauce) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) crisp turmeric-and-coriander crusted white fish fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups saffron rice, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup warm garlic-tomato daqoos sauce
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with turmeric
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Kuwait seasoning (coriander, garlic, cardamom, fresh cilantro, lemon)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and turmeric for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add crisp turmeric-and-coriander crusted white fish fillets and saffron rice along with coriander, garlic, cardamom, fresh cilantro, lemon, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with warm garlic-tomato daqoos sauce and serve straight from the skillet.