Ingredients for Sauce:
1/4 cup of Mighty Sesame Tahini
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp of salt
Water
Ingredients for Rice:
2 tbsp of olive oil
2 large onions (finely sliced)
2 cups of long grain rice (washed and rinsed)
1 tbsp of 7-Spice or Baharat
1/2 tsp of cumin
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp of Kosher salt
1/2 tsp of black pepper
1 tbsp of tomato paste
3 cups of water
Ingredients for Fish:
1 to 1.5 lbs. white fish, like cod or haddock
1/2 tsp of cumin
1 tsp of paprika
1 tsp of Kosher salt
1/2 tsp of black pepper
Olive oil
1/4 cup of raisins
1/4 cup of sliced almonds (toasted)
Parsley, for serving
Directions
- In a small bowl, make tahini sauce by whisking the first three ingredients with enough water to get a smooth, creamy consistency. Then set aside.
- Pre-heat the oven to 425F convection and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, add olive oil and sauté onions on medium-high heat until golden brown and caramelized (about 10-13 minutes). Note: Reserve about a tablespoon of caramelized onions for topping.
- Add rice to the saucepan and all of the spices, including the tomato paste. Mix until combined. Next, add water and let it simmer. Then, lower the heat, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Open the lid and cover the rice with a towel. Place the lid on top of the towel and allow it to rest for 10 more minutes.
- While the rice rests, place fish on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and season with cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Drizzle it with olive oil and roast in the oven until done, depending on the thickness of your fish, about 8-15 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and place on a serving platter. Top with fish and drizzle with half of the tahini sauce. Top with reserved caramelized onions, raisins, almonds and parsley and serve with the remaining tahini sauce on the side.
Key Takeaways
- Sayadieh is a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring seasoned fish served over spiced rice, often garnished with nuts and caramelized onions.
- The dish originated as a fisherman’s meal along the Levantine coast and appears in Egypt, Lebanon, and surrounding regions.
- Fish Sayadieh offers a nutritious balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and aromatic spices that support heart and brain health.
- Incorporating ready-to-use tahini from Mighty Sesame simplifies the traditional tahini sauce, making this recipe quicker and more accessible.
- Variations can include different types of white fish, spice blends, and toppings like toasted almonds or raisins.
Origins of Sayadieh
Sayadieh traces its roots to coastal fishing communities, where fishermen used locally caught white fish, like cod or haddock, and simple pantry staples to create a hearty meal. Early versions of it centered around caramelizing onions to infuse both flavor and color into the rice. Over time, this fisherman’s staple gained popularity in Egyptian ports—known there as “sayadiya”—and throughout Lebanon, often served during family gatherings and festive occasions.
Health Benefits of Fish Sayadieh
Fish Sayadieh combines high-quality lean protein with aromatic spices and healthy fats. Eating seafood regularly is associated with improved neurological development, reduced risk of coronary heart disease, and lower rates of depression. White fish, such as cod or haddock, is especially low in calories while delivering essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. Incorporating a tahini sauce adds plant-based healthy fats, calcium, and iron, making this dish a balanced, nutrient-dense meal for health-conscious eaters.
Easy Sayadieh Recipe with Tahini
Using ready-to-use tahini from Mighty Sesame Co. streamlines the traditional tahini sauce, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without extra prep. In this Sayadieh recipe, caramelized onions coat fragrant rice spiced with cumin, cinnamon, and baharat, while oven-roasted fish rests on top. The tahini sauce ties each bite together with its creamy richness and subtle nuttiness. For those seeking convenience, Mighty Sesame Co.’s modern tahini format allows you to skip lengthy stirring or thinning processes, so you can focus on perfecting the rice and fish.
Fish Sayadieh variations across regions
Though the core concept remains consistent—spiced rice topped with fish and tahini sauce—variants abound:
- Lebanese style: Often garnished with toasted pine nuts and slivered almonds, sometimes including sumac for tang.
- Egyptian “sayadiya”: The rice may be short-grain and cooked in fish stock with paprika, resulting in richer color and flavor.
- Syrian adaptation: Some cooks add chopped tomatoes or tomato paste to the rice for a slightly acidic note
- Spice customizations: Substituting baharat with mestah or adding a dash of turmeric or Aleppo pepper for regional flair
Experimenting with nut toppings—cashews, pistachios, or walnuts—adds unique textures and flavors.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Sayadieh shines when served alongside simple salads—such as tabbouleh or fattoush—to balance the dish’s savory notes. A light drizzle of lemon juice brightens flavors, while pickled vegetables add a tangy counterpoint. For a complete Mediterranean spread, pair this with hummus, warm pita bread, and a side of olives. The tahini sauce’s velvety texture complements both the fish and rice, making each forkful satisfying and rich in flavor.
Storing and Reheating
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the rice and fish in separate airtight containers to preserve texture and prevent the rice from becoming mushy. When reheating, gently warm the rice in a saucepan with a tablespoon of water over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
For the fish, reheat in a preheated 300 °F oven for 5–7 minutes, covered with foil, to ensure it remains moist without drying out. Top with our freshly warmed tahini sauce and garnish to restore the dish’s original vibrancy.
Want to try some gluten-free tahini? Check out our organic tahini squeeze bottle for an easy way to add tahini to your meals! Whether you’re new to tahini or have used it for a long time, our products are a great way to add this healthy, gluten-free food to your diet.
