Hey lovelies! It’s your girl [Your Name] back with another simple, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying recipe that’s perfect for this Ramadan season. If you’re fasting and looking for something hearty, spicy, and easy to make, this Nigerian Fish Stew is your go-to dish! It’s packed with bold flavors, well-seasoned, and can be made ahead of time or whipped up in just a few minutes before breaking your fast. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can pair it with rice, yam, plantains, or even enjoy it on its own. Let’s dive right in!
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Ramadan
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this stew in bulk and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat and serve hot when it’s time to break your fast.
- Quick to Make: If you’re short on time, this stew comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, it’s a balanced meal to replenish your energy after a long day of fasting.
Grocery List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious stew:
Proteins:
- 2 medium-sized fresh fish (mackerel, tilapia, or croaker works great)
- 1 cup smoked fish (optional, for extra flavor)
Vegetables & Herbs:
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes
- 2 red bell peppers (tatashe)
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (atarodo) – adjust to your spice level
- 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
Pantry Staples:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or any cooking oil of choice)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground crayfish (optional, but highly recommended)
- 2 stock cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- Salt to taste
Cooking Utensils
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A blender or food processor
- A large pot or frying pan
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
P.S. If you need any of these utensils, check out the link in my bio to shop my Amazon storefront. I’ve curated all my favorite kitchen tools there, and I get a small commission from each purchase—thank you for supporting me!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Clean and season your fish with salt, curry powder, thyme, and a pinch of stock cube. Set aside.
- Blend the tomatoes, red bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger, and half of the onion until smooth.
- Chop the remaining onion and set aside.
Step 2: Fry the Fish
- Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Lightly fry the fish until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Stew Base
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil and sauté the chopped onions for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and fry for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in the blended pepper mix and stir well. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil rises to the top.
Step 4: Season and Add the Fish
- Add the curry powder, paprika, ground crayfish, stock cubes, and salt to taste. Stir well.
- Gently add the fried fish and smoked fish (if using) into the stew. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- If you’re adding spinach or kale, toss it in at this stage and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Your spicy, flavorful Nigerian Fish Stew is ready! Serve it hot with boiled rice, fried plantains, or yam. It’s also delicious with a side of moi moi or even bread.
Nutritional Information & Calorie Count
This recipe serves 4 and is packed with nutrients:
- Calories: ~300 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Note: The calorie count may vary depending on the type of fish and oil used.
Side Tips & Notes
- Storage: This stew can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers to suit your taste.
- Healthier Option: Use less oil or substitute with olive oil for a lighter version.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy twist.
Final Thoughts
This Nigerian Fish Stew is a lifesaver during Ramadan—it’s quick, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can switch up the sides to keep things exciting throughout the month.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @thatsexcoaochlovesfood —I’d love to see your creations! And if you need any of the utensils I used, check out my Amazon storefront via the link in my bio.
Happy cooking, and may this Ramadan bring you peace, blessings, and lots of delicious meals! 
XOXO,
Thatsexcoachlovesfood
