Eritrean Fish Stew (Asa Wat)
A flavorful and moderately spicy fish stew, popular in Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine. It features tender fish simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices like turmeric and ginger, often enhanced with the distinctive berbere spice blend.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 pieces White fish fillets(e.g., tilapia, cod, or snapper, cut into cubes)
- 1 medium Red onion(finely chopped)
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil(divided)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Ginger(minced)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 tsp Turmeric(divided)
- 1 tbsp Berbere spice blend(optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 medium Jalapeno peppers(cut into strips or chopped (optional))
- 2 cups Water or Fish Broth
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Sprinkle 2 tsp of turmeric over the fish cubes and set aside.
- 2
In a large pan, dry-fry the chopped red onion over medium heat for about 15 minutes until softened and lightly browned, adding a little water if it starts to stick.
- 3
Add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, stir in the minced garlic, ginger, berbere spice (if using), jalapenos (if using), and the remaining 2 tsp of turmeric. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- 5
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a separate pan. Fry the seasoned fish cubes until golden brown on all sides.
- 6
Add the fried fish to the tomato sauce. Stir in the water or fish broth and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, traditionally with injera or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Berbere spice blend can vary in heat; adjust the amount to your preference.
- ✓If you don't have berbere, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, chili powder, and other warm spices.
- ✓Ensure the fish is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain its tenderness.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like diced potatoes or bell peppers along with the tomatoes.
- For a richer flavor, consider using niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) instead of some of the vegetable oil.