Ghanaian Tilapia with Groundnut Sauce (Nkatenkwan Style)
Whole tilapia marinated and fried to perfection, then served with a rich, savory groundnut sauce. This dish offers a different preparation of groundnut stew compared to the existing list.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole tilapia(cleaned and scaled)
- 200 g Groundnuts (peanuts)(roasted and unsalted)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper(to taste)
- for frying Vegetable oil
- 500 ml Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice(for marinating fish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the cleaned tilapia with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice for at least 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Grind the roasted groundnuts into a smooth paste. You can use a food processor or a mortar and pestle.
💡 Tip: Add a little water if needed to achieve a smooth paste. - 3
In a pot, sauté chopped onion until softened. Add ginger, garlic, and chopped tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes break down.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Add the groundnut paste to the tomato mixture. Stir well and gradually add water, mixing until you have a smooth sauce. Add the scotch bonnet pepper.
💡 Tip: Continuously stir to prevent the groundnut paste from sticking to the bottom. - 5
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the oil starts to separate.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 6
While the sauce simmers, heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the marinated tilapia until golden brown and cooked through.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 7
Serve the fried tilapia with the groundnut sauce poured over it or on the side. Adjust seasoning of the sauce with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure the fish is thoroughly cooked.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using roasted groundnuts gives a richer flavor.
- ✓Adjust the consistency of the groundnut sauce by adding more or less water.
- ✓You can also bake the tilapia if you prefer not to fry it.
🔄 Variations
- Serve with boiled yam, plantain, or rice.
- Add some smoked fish or meat to the groundnut sauce for extra flavor.