• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Low Carb Africa logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Free Keto Meal Plan
  • Helpful Resources
  • Shop Digital Products
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » African Recipes

    Oct 3, 2024

    African Fish Stew

    Published on Oct 3, 2024. Updated on Nov 24, 2024. By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. 23 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    pinterest image for African fish stew

    African Fish Stew is a flavorful and appetizing Nigerian stew made with tilapia fish and cooked in a spicy, fragrant combination of tomatoes and peppers. It truly is incredibly delicious!

    African fish stew in a bowl
    Nigerian fish stew

    This Nigerian stew is another well-beloved dish commonly eaten in West Africa and is also a party favorite.

    If you’ve tried my Nigerian Beef Stew, this stew is similar to it and is just as easy to make. But there are some key differences that make the flavor special in its own way.

    For this recipe, I like to fry the fish before using it in the stew. You can skip this step;  the stew will turn out great even if you don't fry it.

    But the fried fish makes this dish all the more special. It gives a stronger, bolder flavor which I guarantee will have you licking your fingers!

    Ingredients used

    tilapia and other ingredients to make stew
    • Tilapia Fish: This recipe is made with tilapia fish, but you can use catfish or any white fish, and the process will be basically the same. Also, you can use fillets, but I use a whole tilapia fish that has been gutted and chopped with the flesh intact. I like to leave the flesh in because it ensures the fish will remain whole and intact and will not break apart before the stew is done.
    • Vegetables: tomatoes, red bell pepper, habanero pepper, and onions for making the stew.
    • Spices: bouillon powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
    • Olive oil and stock/water.

    How to make African Fish Stew

    1. If you are using a whole tilapia fish, you will have to gut and clean it before you use it. You might be able to buy them already gutted and cleaned, which should help speed things up. If you’re using fillets, skip this step.
    2. Cut the fish into 5 - 6 medium pieces and deep fry till crispy.
    3. Blend the tomatoes, red bell pepper, and habanero pepper in a blender. Blending the tomatoes first is easier, so it creates a liquid base before adding the peppers. If possible, do not add water when blending or add very little. Chop the onions and set them aside.
    4. Add the olive oil to a pan on medium heat. When heated, add the chopped onions. Stir until translucent, then add the blended tomatoes and pepper.
    5. Let it cook for about 10 minutes on medium-low heat, and add a little stock or just water. Mix together, then add your spices, adding the salt last.
    6. Bring to a boil, then add the fish. Once the fish has been added, try to avoid stirring a lot. Before adding the fish, it is helpful to taste the salt to make sure it is to your liking. Simmer for about 10 minutes, and your African Fish Stew is ready to serve!
    frying tilapia to make stew

    fried tilapia in african stew

    Storing and reheating

    This African fish stew can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for longer. You can reheat it on the stove with a little water.

    Tips when making African Fish Stew

    • Adjust the spices and ensure they are to your liking before adding the fish.
    • Some fish have more bones than others, so bear that in mind when selecting what fish to use.
    • Another great substitute for this recipe is croaker fish.
    • After adding the fish, only stir gently and as little as possible so the fish does not break apart.
    • You don’t have to fry the fish if you are in a hurry, but frying helps to keep it together and reduces the chance of breaking.
    closeup shot of Nigerian fish stew

    What to eat this stew with

    This African fish stew is perfect with rice or cauliflower rice, but it can be served with any dish that calls for stew.

    Check out these other delicious low carb stews!

    Nigerian Beef Stew

    Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

    Goat Stew

    Instant Pot Lamb Stew

    Egg Stew

    bowl of African fish stew with cauliflower rice

    Need some low carb, refreshing and comforting soups? You'll love these!

    Vegetable Beef Soup with Cabbage

    Cow Foot Soup

    Keto Tomato Soup

    Spicy Mussel Soup

    Oxtail Soup

    Keto Mushroom Soup

    📖 Recipe

    African FIsh Stew IG

    African Fish Stew

    Nigerian Fish Stew is a flavorful and appetizing African fish stew made with tilapia fish and cooked in a spicy fragrant combination of tomatoes and peppers. It truly is incredibly delicious!
    4.88 from 16 votes
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: African
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 284kcal
    Author: Tayo Oredola
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb tilapia fish
    • 3 tomatoes
    • 1 bell pepper
    • 1 habanero pepper
    • 1 onion chopped
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ½ cup stock/water
    • 1 tablespoon bouillon powder
    • ½ teaspoon thyme
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

    Instructions

    • Wash and clean the tilapia fish.
      1 lb tilapia fish
    • Cut the fish into 5 - 6 medium pieces and deep fry till crispy.
    • Blend the tomatoes, bell pepper, and habanero pepper.
      3 tomatoes, 1 bell pepper, 1 habanero pepper
    • Sauté the onions in olive oil.
      1 onion, ½ cup olive oil
    • After about a minute, add the blended tomatoes and pepper.
    • Boil for about 10 minutes on medium-low heat.
    • Add the stock/water.
      ½ cup stock/water
    • Taste for salt first, then add the bouillon powder, thyme, black pepper.
      1 tablespoon bouillon powder, ½ teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
    • Add the salt last.
    • Bring to a boil, then add the fish.
    • Simmer for 5-10 minutes while stirring as little as possible.
    • Your African Fish Stew is ready to serve!

    Notes

    This serves 6 and each serving contains 4 net carbs per serving.
    • Adjust the spices and make sure it is to your liking before adding the fish.
    • After adding the fish, only stir very gently and as little as possible, so the fish does not break apart.
    • You don’t have to fry the fish if you are in a hurry, but frying helps to keep it together and reduces the chance of breaking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1149IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
    Follow Me On Youtube Watch me make my recipes from scratch!
    Get My Keto Ebooks for 15% Off! Get both my ebooks with over 50 recipes for just $22.08!

    More African Recipes

    • Gome Wat in a pot
      Gomen Wat (Ethiopian Collard Greens)
    • Suya spice in a wooden bowl
      Suya Spice (Yaji)
    • Low Carb Palm Oil Rice
      Low Carb Palm Oil Rice
    • ground cardamon, cayenne pepper, coriander and other spices
      Homemade Peri Peri Seasoning

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tom says

      October 07, 2024 at 10:17 pm

      Is the Nutritional value 100g per serving?

      Reply
      • Tayo Oredola says

        November 26, 2024 at 9:39 pm

        Hi Tom, I didn't weigh each serving, but divided it into 6 portions.

        Reply
    2. Jesus Loves You! says

      August 07, 2024 at 9:00 am

      Which flavor bouillon did you use?
      Your link goes to a package of 3. 😁

      Reply
      • Tayo Oredola says

        August 29, 2024 at 12:58 pm

        You can use any flavor.

        Reply
    3. Joseph says

      March 07, 2024 at 8:26 am

      a little help please. ,if using cat fish. do I leave the skin on?? Can a carp be used. ?? Spring is upon us in central and southern texas , Fishing tomorrow for catfish . My garden is growing I would like to grow greens used in Africa. I grow a chili called Fish brought to USA from Africa used in chowder houses during 18th 19th century I pickle them and or crack them whole and add as a spicy seasoning pepper. Whatcha got ??

      Reply
      • Tayo Oredola says

        March 10, 2024 at 10:41 pm

        Hi Joseph, yes I always leave skin on my fish. You might be able to use a carp for this recipe, but I haven't tried it. If you do, let me know!

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    4.88 from 16 votes (11 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tayo!

    tayo oredola

    Welcome to Low Carb Africa, the home of Keto & Low Carb African-inspired recipes. I specialize in creating mouthwatering recipes with rich, bold, and spicy flavors. Get ready to lose weight, look amazing and be in your best health ever!

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Soup Favorites

    • Keto Cabbage Soup
    • Keto Mushroom Soup
    • Goat Meat Pepper Soup
      Goat Meat Pepper Soup
    • Keto chicken noodle soup
      Keto Chicken Noodle Soup

    Reader Favorites

    • jamaican oxtail soup
      Oxtail Soup Recipe
    • low carb keto palmini pasta
      Palmini Pasta Shrimp Stir Fry
    • Sausage and Spinach Frittata
      Sausage and Spinach Frittata
    • spicy cabbage soup ready to eat
      Spicy Cabbage Soup

    Popular African Recipes

    • efo riro
      Efo Riro - Nigerian Spinach Stew
    • Nigerian okro soup
      Okro Soup - Nigerian Okra Soup
    • asun meat peppered goat meat ready to eat
      Asun Recipe (Peppered Goat Meat)
    • close up shot of African chicken stew
      Nigerian Chicken Stew
    • Nigerian egusi soup in a white bowl
      Egusi Soup
    • Nigerian ogbono soup ready to eat
      Ogbono Soup (Draw Soup)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Browse

    • Recipe Index
    • Shop Digital Products
    • Amazon Store

    Resources

    • Free 7-day keto meal plan
    • African Spices & Seasonings
    • How To Be Successful on Keto
    • What is Fufu?

    Information

    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    COPYRIGHT © 2025. Low Carb Africa, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    Low Carb Africa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.