Aloko avec Sauce Arachide et Poisson Frais
Crispy fried plantains (aloko) served with a rich, savory peanut sauce and freshly grilled or fried fish, a beloved combination in Ivory Coast.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Ripe plantains(peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick pieces)
- 500 g White fish fillets(such as sea bass or tilapia, cut into portions)
- 200 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 200 g Tomatoes(pureed)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- for frying Vegetable oil
- 400 ml Chicken or fish broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Chili powder(or to taste)
- a few sprigs Cilantro(for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the peanut sauce: In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 2
Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes. Add the peanut butter and whisk until smooth. Gradually pour in the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- 3
Prepare the fish: Season the fish portions with salt and pepper. You can either grill them until cooked through and flaky, or pan-fry them in a little oil until golden brown and cooked.
- 4
Prepare the aloko: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- 5
To serve, arrange the crispy aloko on a platter. Place the cooked fish alongside. Spoon a generous amount of the warm peanut sauce over the fish or serve it on the side.
- 6
Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use ripe plantains (yellow with black spots) for the sweetest and most flavorful aloko.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is unsweetened for the best savory sauce flavor.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot when frying plantains; fry in batches for even crispiness.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the peanut sauce for extra heat.
- Serve with a side of fresh greens or a simple salad.
- Experiment with different types of firm white fish.