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–+ servings

Easy Nigerian Fish Stew Recipe

Chichi Uguru
Rich, bold, and flavorful, Nigerian fish stew is a tomato-based recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Nigerian
Servings 10
Calories 432kcal

Ingredients

For the fish

  • 2.2 pounds fish (about 2 to 3 fish cut into steaks)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Oil for frying

For the stew

  • 4 large Red bell peppers
  • 3 medium plum tomatoes
  • 4 medium onions (to be divided, 2 blended and 2 diced)
  • 1 small green bell pepper (Optional. chopped)
  • ½ cup Meat stock (I use chicken stock or water)
  • 2 scotch bonnet peppers (Use more or less)
  • 1½ cups Oil
  • ½ teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Fry the fish

  • Season the fish with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes in the marinade before frying.
  • Fry on medium heat until golden brown. Transfer the fried fish to a paper towel lined dish and set it aside.

The stew

  • Add the tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, scotch bonnet pepper, and stock or water to a blender and blend until smooth.
  • In a large pot or large saucepan, heat up the oil, add the chopped onions, and cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 2 minutes.
  • Gently pour the blended stew base into the frying onions, add seasoning. Let the stew simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped green bell peppers if using, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Turn down the heat, add the fried fish and let it simmer on low heat for another 3 minutes before turning the heat off.
  • Leave the pot open slightly to let off steam and to keep the fish from getting too soft.
  • Serve with white rice.

Notes

  • Be gentle when stirring after adding the fish to avoid breaking it.
  • Use as little or as much scotch bonnet as you like, depending on your spice tolerance.
  • If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.
  •  If plan  to add tomato paste to this recipe, fry 2 tablespoons with the onions before adding the blended mix.
  •  I prefer to use fresh oil for the stew instead of the one used for frying the fish.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy Nigerian Fish Stew Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 432 Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
Fat 36g55%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 10g
Monounsaturated Fat 22g
Cholesterol 46mg15%
Sodium 235mg10%
Potassium 566mg16%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 20g40%
Vitamin A 2268IU45%
Vitamin C 99mg120%
Calcium 30mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.