Samak Harra (Keto)
Spicy Fish Fillet in Tomato-Cilantro Sauce (without rice)
Yes, with a tweak: request minimal tomatoes in the sauce and explicitly ask for no added sugar. About 10g net carbs per serving.
What it is
A flavorful and spicy fish dish popular in the Gulf and Levant, where fish fillets are cooked in a rich, tangy tomato and cilantro sauce with garlic and a kick of chili. Naturally low-carb when served without rice.
Key ingredients
White fish fillet (e.g., Hamour, Snapper), fresh tomatoes (minimal), onions, garlic, fresh cilantro, green chilies, olive oil, lemon juice, Qatari spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, red chili flakes).
How to make it keto
Request minimal tomatoes in the sauce and explicitly ask for no added sugar. Ensure no flour or starch is used to thicken the sauce. Served without rice or bread.
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
سمك حرة، أريد أقل كمية طماطم ممكنة في الصلصة وبدون أي سكر مضاف. تأكد أن الصلصة بدون طحين أو نشا للتكثيف. وبدون أرز أو خبز.
For the Samak Harra, minimal tomatoes in the sauce and no added sugar. Ensure no flour or starch for thickening. Serve without rice or bread.
Watch out for
Excessive amount of tomatoes (natural sugars), hidden sugars in the tomato sauce, or use of flour/starch as a thickener. Often served with rice, which must be omitted.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Qatari menuAll 250 Qatari dishes ›
