Kenyan Tilapia with Ugali and Greens
A classic Kenyan meal featuring pan-fried or grilled tilapia served with ugali (a stiff maize porridge) and a side of sautéed leafy greens. This dish highlights fresh lake fish, a delicacy in regions near Lake Victoria.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole Tilapia(cleaned and scaled, about 1-1.5 lbs each)
- 1 medium Lemon(halved)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil or clarified butter
- 2 cups Maize flour (ugali flour)
- 4 cups Water(plus more as needed)
- 300 g Spinach or Kale(washed and chopped)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped (optional, for greens))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the tilapia dry with paper towels. Score both sides of the fish with a few diagonal cuts. Season generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Squeeze lemon juice over the fish.
💡 Tip: Scoring helps the fish cook evenly and absorb flavors. - 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the tilapia in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove fish from skillet and set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook fish in batches if necessary. - 3
While the fish is cooking, prepare the ugali. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the maize flour, starting with about 1 cup, until smooth. Continue adding flour and whisking until a thick, stiff porridge forms.
- 4
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook the ugali for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Add more water if it becomes too stiff, or more flour if too soft.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
In the same skillet used for the fish (or a separate one), heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Add minced garlic and chopped tomatoes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until tomatoes begin to break down.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 7
Add the chopped spinach or kale to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until the greens are wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 8
Serve the pan-fried tilapia alongside the ugali and sautéed greens. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish before eating.
💡 Tip: A common way to eat ugali is to break off a piece with your fingers, form it into a ball, and use it to scoop up the fish and greens.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor.
- ✓The key to good ugali is gradual addition of flour and constant stirring to avoid lumps.
- ✓Don't overcook the greens; they should retain some crispness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Grill the tilapia instead of pan-frying for a smokier flavor.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the greens for a spicy touch.
- Serve with a side of kachumbari (tomato and onion salad) for a fresh contrast.