Fried Fish Iraqi Style

Indulge in the bold and aromatic flavors of Fried Fish Iraqi Style, a delightful dish that captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. This recipe features whole tilapia marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and paprika, creating a symphony of warming spices that penetrate deep into the fish. The tilapia is then lightly coated in flour for a beautifully crisp exterior and fried to golden perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley and served alongside zesty lemon wedges, this Iraqi-inspired dish is perfect when paired with warm flatbread, fluffy rice, or a refreshing salad. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 fish Whole tilapia (cleaned and gutted, about 1.5-2 pounds each)
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves (grated)
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Sunflower or vegetable oil (for frying)
• 4 pieces Lemon wedges (for serving)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Using a sharp knife, score the tilapia by making 2-3 diagonal slashes on each side. This helps the marinade penetrate the fish and allows it to cook evenly.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, coriander, cumin, paprika, grated garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

Step 3

Rub the marinade generously over both sides of the fish, ensuring it gets into the slashes and cavity. Let the fish marinate for at least 20-30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 4

Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and fill it with about 1 inch of sunflower or vegetable oil. Allow the oil to reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C) for frying.

Step 5

While the oil heats, dredge each piece of fish in all-purpose flour, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour to ensure a light and crispy coating.

Step 6

Carefully place one fish into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 5-7 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Flip the fish gently using tongs or a spatula and fry for another 5-7 minutes on the other side.

Step 7

Once fully cooked, remove the fish from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the second fish.

Step 8

Once all the fish is fried, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Step 9

Enjoy your Iraqi-style Fried Fish with warm flatbread, rice, or a fresh salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1709.9 grams (1709.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5886

Total Fat 546.20g	700%
Saturated Fat 61.20g	306%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 304mg	101%
Sodium 5034mg	219%
Total Carbohydrate 111.60g	41%
Dietary Fiber 9.30g	33%
Total Sugars 5.30g
Protein 154.10g	308%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 184mg	14%
Iron 16mg	88%
Potassium 2625mg	56%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 82.2%

Protein: 10.3%

Carbs: 7.5%