Samak Matfi (Fish with Tomato and Onion Sauce, No Rice)
Fish in Rich Tomato-Onion Sauce with Keto Sides
Yes, with a tweak: specify no rice or bread. About 8g net carbs per serving.
What it is
A flavorful fish dish featuring white fish fillets (often Hammour or similar local white fish) cooked in a savory, well-spiced sauce of sautéed onions, tomatoes, garlic, bell peppers, and fresh herbs. The sauce is rich and aromatic, and the fish is typically tender and flaky. Always request without rice.
Key ingredients
White fish fillets (e.g., Hammour), onions, fresh tomatoes, garlic, bell peppers, chili, fresh coriander, cumin, turmeric, olive oil, salt, black pepper.
How to make it keto
Crucially, specify no rice or bread. Ask if any sugar is added to the tomato sauce and request omission. Opt for a simple side of leafy greens or grilled vegetables if available.
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
لسمك مطفي، من فضلك بدون أرز أو خبز. هل الصلصة فيها سكر؟ من فضلك لا تضع سكر. وإذا ممكن، طبق جانبي من الخضروات الورقية أو المشوية.
For Samak Matfi, no rice or bread. Is there sugar in the tomato sauce? Please omit it. A side of leafy greens or grilled vegetables, if possible.
Watch out for
Generous use of onions and tomatoes in the sauce can contribute to total carbs. Some restaurants might add a pinch of sugar to balance the tomato acidity or use pre-made tomato paste with added sugar. Always served with rice if not specified otherwise.
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.
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