Fish Fried Rice

Fish Fried Rice Recipe | Authentic Indian Recipe

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fish fried rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of fish with the comfort of rice. This recipe is a perfect blend of protein-rich fish, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

History

Fish fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian countries, where seafood is abundant and rice is a staple food. The combination of fish and rice has been enjoyed for centuries, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe. Fish fried rice is a versatile dish that can be customized with different types of fish, spices, and vegetables, making it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Ingredients

0.5 kg of white fish, cut into small pieces
2 cups of long-grained rice
2 large onions, chopped
2 tbsp of desiccated coconut
1 tbsp of ground coriander
1.5 tsp of turmeric powder
1 inch piece of ginger
2 tsp of ground cumin seeds
0.5 tsp of fenugreek seeds
1 bay leaf
juice of half a lime
0.5 cup of oil
salt to taste

How to prepare

Wash the rice and soak it in cold water for at least 1 hour.
Wash and cut the fish into 2-inch pieces.
Mix the coriander, cumin, turmeric, fenugreek, and ginger together.
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan and fry the mixture for about a minute.
Place the fish in the pan, stir without breaking the pieces.
Cover the pan and allow the fish to cook in its own steam for five minutes.
Remove the fish carefully with a fish slice and keep them warm.
Meanwhile, fry the onions with the bay leaf in the remaining oil until brown.
Drain the rice and add it to the onions.
Mix the coconut and lemon juice in the rice and fry lightly for a couple of minutes.
Pour a cup of water into the pan in which the fish was fried and bring it to a boil, then pour this water into the rice mixture.
Add extra warm water, just enough for the rice to simmer and cook.
Turn the rice out onto a serving plate and arrange the cooked fish pieces on top.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Variations

Use different types of fish such as salmon, tuna, or shrimp.
Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use fresh fish for the best flavor and texture.

- Soak the rice before cooking to ensure fluffy grains.

- Fry the fish gently to prevent it from breaking apart.

- Add a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.

- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Fish fried rice can be served on its own as a complete meal or paired with a side of salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. It can also be enjoyed with a side of pickles or chutney for a burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Gently fry the fish to prevent it from breaking apart.

- Soak the rice before cooking to ensure fluffy grains.

- Use a large frying pan to cook the rice and fish together for even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.

- Substitute fish with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.

- Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Fish fried rice can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve fish fried rice in a large serving platter garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a wedge of lime for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Fish fried rice pairs well with a side of cucumber raita, mint chutney, or a refreshing glass of lemonade. It can also be enjoyed with a side of crispy papadums or naan bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fish fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fish fried rice contains approximately 400 calories. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fish fried rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of fish fried rice contains approximately 15 grams of fats. Fats are important for providing energy, supporting cell growth, and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Proteins

Each serving of fish fried rice contains approximately 20 grams of proteins. Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting immune function and hormone production.

Vitamins and minerals

Fish fried rice is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Fish fried rice contains fish and coconut, which are common allergens. If you have allergies to these ingredients, it is best to avoid this dish or substitute them with suitable alternatives.

Summary

Fish fried rice is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Fish fried rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of fish with the comfort of rice. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Lily's house. She had just returned from a trip to Thailand and had brought back a cookbook filled with delicious recipes she had learned while she was there. As we sat on her porch flipping through the pages, one recipe in particular caught my eye - Fish Fried Rice.

The combination of flaky fish, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice seemed like a match made in heaven. I knew I had to learn how to make it. Lily graciously offered to teach me, and we spent the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping, stirring, and tasting our way to the perfect Fish Fried Rice.

The key to this recipe, Lily explained, was in the preparation. The fish needed to be marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being pan-fried to perfection. The rice had to be cooked just right, fluffy and separate, before being tossed with the fish and a colorful array of vegetables.

As we worked together, I couldn't help but think back to all the other recipes I had learned over the years. My grandmother had been my first teacher in the kitchen, passing down her knowledge of traditional dishes that had been in our family for generations. I had learned how to make everything from her famous meatloaf to her secret recipe for chocolate chip cookies.

But Fish Fried Rice was different. It was exotic and unfamiliar, a taste of a faraway land that I had never experienced before. As I stood over the sizzling pan, the aroma of garlic and soy sauce wafting through the air, I felt a sense of excitement and adventure unlike anything I had felt before in the kitchen.

When the dish was finally ready, we sat down to eat, savoring each bite as the flavors exploded in our mouths. The fish was tender and flavorful, the rice perfectly cooked and seasoned. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of that day spent with Lily and the joy of discovering something new.

As the years went by, I continued to make Fish Fried Rice for my family and friends, always receiving rave reviews. I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different types of fish and vegetables, creating a dish that was uniquely mine.

But no matter how many times I made it, the memory of that first time learning to make Fish Fried Rice with Lily would always hold a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that would last a lifetime.

And so, as I pass down this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will find as much joy and fulfillment in making it as I have. May it bring you closer to those you love, and may it always remind you of the magic that can be found in a simple dish made with love.