Smoked Tilapia in Groundnut Butter Sauce – A Traditional Kenyan and Ugandan Dish

Smoked tilapia has this distinctive aroma and exquisite taste that is different from that of fresh or fried fish. Hence why it is loved so much in my homeland. Smoked fish stew has always been a staple in my family, thanks to the nearby Lake Victoria being an unrelenting supplier of this delicacy. I tend to think that smoking fish is primarily done for preservation but undoubtedly, a bonus comes with it in the form of new and better taste. Without a do, let’s look into this mouthwatering recipe for smoked tilapia in groundnut butter sauce so that if you can get your hands on this type of fish, you shouldn’t hesitate to make and savor it.

As indicated in the title of this blog post, smoked tilapia in groundnut butter sauce is a traditional dish in parts of Kenya and Uganda. I remember learning as a kid that frying food was not a norm in our traditional culture and that instead, groundnut butter was one of the ingredients that were used to season most dishes. Other commonly used ingredients were (and still are) sesame butter and fresh or sour milk. Traditionally, smoked tilapia would be simmered until tender, and the groundnut butter would be added to enrich it. That’s the recipe I am describing herein but with slight adjustments as most cooks make it nowadays.

Ingredients for Smoked Tilapia in Groundnut Butter Sauce

Smoked tilapia: I used two in this recipe, but you can make more or less at a go. Now, I brought this fish with me all the way from Kenya where there is an abounding supply of it. If you live outside of East Africa, you may be able to acquire smoked fish from African grocery stores near you, such as from Nigerian stores.

Groundnut butter: The star of this show. A little goes a long way as nut butter is intensely rich. You do not wanna overuse it or it will overpower the taste of the dish. By the way, groundnuts and peanuts are like, fraternal twins or something like that. Mostly similar but with slight differences. Note, therefore, that you can use peanut butter in the place of groundnut butter. Other nut butters such as almond butter can do the job too.

Onions: As always, red onions add a good aroma to stews.

Tomatoes: these thicken the sauce and add flavor and color.  

Bell peppers: these also enrich the flavor and add to the thickness of the sauce.

Cooking oil: for frying onions and the other ingredients.

Steps for Preparing Smoked Tilapia in Groundnut Butter Sauce

#1. Soak the fish in warm water for 20 minutes. Smoked fish is pretty dry and needs time to soak and become tender. You will notice that if you cook it without soaking, it won’t soften easily. It is still doable, but you will need to simmer it for much longer.

#2. Prepare the other ingredients. Wash, chop, and dice all the vegetables (onions, tomatoes, garlic, and bell peppers), measure out the nut butter, etc.

#3. Heat cooking oil on medium-high. Add onions and fry until golden brown. Make sure to use a wide enough pan so that the whole fish have enough room.

#4. Add bell peppers and fry for a few minutes, until they appear well cooked. Add tomatoes and cook until they are mushed up. Then, mash the mixture to break it down further into a thick paste.

#5. Add 3 cups of water and salt to taste. Stir to combine. Then, remove the fish from soaking water and rinse them in clean water if need be.

#6. Add the smoked tilapia to the pot. Use a ladle to scoop the sauce and baste the tilapia on the top side. You do not want to move the fish too much as it could break, so basting ensures both sides soak up the sauce. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

#7. Prepare the nut butter. Place the nut butter in a bowl and add half a cup of hot water. Stir gently to combine.

#8. Pour the butter sauce into the pot. Stir gently to combine, then baste to ensure all fish is covered in the sauce. Cover and simmer for 5-10 more minutes. In the end, the fish should be tender and the sauce, thick.

#9. Serve with your favorite sides. This dish goes well with ugali and green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. See the serving suggestions below with links to related recipes.

Serving Suggestions for Smoked Tilapia in Groundnut Butter Sauce

• Ugali
• Sautéed spinach
• Creamed spinach
• Sautéed kale
• Sautéed kale with eggplant and carrots
• Sautéed cabbage with carrots and bell peppers

How to Store Leftover Smoked Tilapia Sauce

Cooked fish can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months or in the fridge for up to four days according to the USDA. Place cooked tilapia in an airtight container and store in either of these spaces depending on how soon you intend to use it.

How to Reheat Leftover Smoked Tilapia Sauce

In the microwave: Place defrosted or refrigerated smoked tilapia sauce in a large bowl or plate, cover, and heat in the microwave for about two minutes or until hot enough.

On the stovetop: Place defrosted or refrigerated smoked tilapia sauce in a pot and heat on medium-low until hot enough. If it is too thick, add 1/8 cup of water so you have some sauce left when it is ready.

Print the Recipe

Conclusion

Now you’ve learned about a new way of cooking fish (hopefully?)! This dish is easy to prepare. I hope you try it too. If you do, have fun making it, enjoy your smoked tilapia, and please remember to comment here or tag some photos to my social media pages.