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How to Cook Nigerian Fish Stew (Fisherman Style)


Nigerian Fish Stew, often called Fisherman Stew, is a delicious and flavorful dish that showcases the richness of traditional Nigerian seafood recipes. This hearty stew is perfect for pairing with rice, yam, or plantains. Let’s dive into how to prepare this mouthwatering dish.


Ingredients


To make a classic Nigerian Fish Stew, you’ll need:


Main Ingredients

Fresh Fish (e.g., catfish, tilapia, croaker): 2–3 medium-sized pieces

Fresh Tomatoes: 5 large ones

Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (optional)

Red Bell Peppers (Tatashe): 2 large

Scotch Bonnet Peppers (Ata Rodo): 2 (adjust for heat preference)

Onions: 2 medium-sized (1 for blending, 1 for frying)

Garlic and Ginger: 2 cloves and 1-inch piece, respectively

Vegetable or Palm Oil: 1/2 cup

Fish Stock or Water: 2 cups


Seasonings

Seasoning Cubes: 2 (Maggi or Knorr)

Salt: to taste

Thyme: 1 teaspoon

Curry Powder: 1 teaspoon

Bay Leaves: 2


Preparation Steps


1. Clean the Fish

Wash the fish thoroughly with lime or salt to remove any slime or smell.

Cut into medium-sized portions and season with salt, seasoning cubes, and a little thyme. Let it marinate for 20–30 minutes.


2. Blend the Base Ingredients

Blend the tomatoes, red bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger into a smooth paste.


3. Fry or Grill the Fish (Optional)

For added flavor, lightly fry or grill the fish until golden brown. Be careful not to over-fry, as it can make the fish too dry.


4. Cook the Tomato Base

Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the sliced onions and fry until translucent.

Add the blended tomato mixture and fry on medium heat for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates from the tomato paste.


5. Season the Stew

Add the thyme, curry powder, bay leaves, and additional seasoning cubes. Stir well.


6. Add Fish and Stock

Gently place the fish pieces into the stew and pour in the fish stock or water.

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes. Avoid stirring too much to prevent breaking the fish.


7. Adjust Taste

Taste the stew and adjust the salt or seasoning as needed.


Serving Suggestions


Nigerian Fish Stew pairs well with:

White rice

Boiled yam

Fried plantains

Eba or fufu


Cooking Tips

Use fresh fish for the best flavor.

Avoid stirring too much after adding the fish to keep the pieces intact.

For a richer taste, you can add a small amount of crayfish powder or fresh prawns.


Enjoy your delicious Nigerian Fish Stew (Fisherman Style) with family and friends! It’s a true taste of Nigeria’s coastal heritage.

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