How To Make Nigerian Party Fish

whole fish

🥗Healthier: filleted fish

💰Cheaper: frozen fish

Filleted fish is easier to prepare, while frozen fish is more accessible.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: sunflower oil

Olive oil offers healthier fats, while sunflower oil is often less expensive.

scotch bonnet peppers

🥗Healthier: jalapeños

💰Cheaper: green bell peppers

Jalapeños provide heat with fewer calories, while green bell peppers are more affordable.

seasoning cubes

🥗Healthier: homemade spice blend

💰Cheaper: salt

Homemade blends can reduce sodium and enhance flavor.

Pour hot water over the frozen crooked fish to soften it faster.

Rinse the fish quickly and add salt, then rinse 2-3 more times to disinfect.

Clean the area used for fish preparation with vinegar or soap and water.

Season the fish with curry powder, seasoning cube, and fish seasoning, then toss to combine.

Cover the fish and let it marinate for 4 hours.

Heat used oil in a wide pot on two burners for even heat distribution.

Deep fry the fish for 25-30 minutes, checking only after 15 minutes to avoid breaking it.

The fish is done when it easily pulls off from the pot and is not sticking.

Carefully pour the oil into a separate pot to cool before transferring it to a gallon.

Wash the frying pot and prepare for the sauce.

Blend tomato paste, tomato sauce, scotch bonnet pepper, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and ginger until roughly combined.

Heat oil in the pot and sauté one chopped onion for about 30 seconds.

Add tomato paste and fry for about 10 minutes until no longer tangy.

Add tomato sauce and the blended pepper mixture, stirring to combine.

Simmer the sauce on low heat, stirring every 5 minutes until the oil separates from the tomato.

Add one seasoning cube, thyme, and curry powder to the sauce before adding the fish.

Carefully add the fried fish into the sauce and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat.

Add chopped green and red bell peppers and scallions for freshness and flavor, then stir gently.

Turn off the heat and serve the fish with jollof rice or fried rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary