Gambian Fish Cakes
Afra
A popular street food and appetizer, these Gambian fish cakes, also known as 'Afra' or 'Dibi' when referring to grilled meat, are savory, pan-fried fritters with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. They are often served with a variety of flavorful toppings like stir-fried onions, beans with onions, or a smoked fish sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g White fish(boneless and skinless, e.g., tilapia or cod)
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Water(approximately, adjust for dough consistency)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(divided)
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped, divided)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 100 g Smoked fish(optional, for sauce)
- 1 can Beans(15 oz, rinsed and drained, optional for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fish: Flake the white fish into small pieces. If using smoked fish, flake it as well.
- 2
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 tsp salt, and gradually add water, mixing until a firm but pliable dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- 3
Prepare the onion and garlic sauce: Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add half of the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and lightly browned.
- 4
Add tomato paste, chili powder, black pepper, and lemon juice to the pan. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes. If using smoked fish, add it now and stir to combine. Set aside.
- 5
Prepare the bean topping (optional): In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil. Add the remaining chopped onions and sauté until softened. Add the rinsed and drained beans, 0.5 tsp salt, and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes.
- 6
Form the fish cakes: Divide the dough into small portions. Flatten each portion into a disc. Place a spoonful of flaked fish in the center, then fold the dough over to enclose the filling, shaping it into a flat cake. Ensure the edges are sealed.
- 7
Fry the fish cakes: Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the fish cakes into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- 8
Serve: Drain the fish cakes on paper towels. Serve hot with the onion and garlic sauce, and the optional bean topping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the dough is not too sticky; add more flour if needed.
- ✓Seal the edges of the fish cakes well to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
- ✓Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped bell peppers to the onion sauce for extra flavor and color.
- Serve with a side of spicy onion and chili sauce, a common accompaniment in Gambia.