Poisson Braisé Sauce Arachide
A rich and savory dish featuring pan-fried or grilled fish (often tilapia or sea bass) served in a luscious peanut butter sauce. This dish highlights the Congolese love for flavorful, hearty sauces.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole fish(e.g., tilapia, sea bass, cleaned and scaled)
- 250 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(or to taste, finely chopped (optional))
- 500 ml Vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp Palm oil(or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 3 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Score the sides of the fish with a sharp knife. Season generously inside and out with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Scoring helps the fish cook evenly and absorb flavors. - 2
Heat 2 tbsp of palm oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the fish for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove fish and set aside.
💡 Tip: Achieving a good sear adds depth of flavor. - 3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of palm oil. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic. - 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and coriander powder. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the tomatoes to break down.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with the vegetable broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the tomato base.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the peanut butter is fully dissolved prevents lumps. - 7
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Return the seared fish to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
💡 Tip: Simmering allows the flavors to meld and the fish to cook in the sauce. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If the peanut butter sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato and onion mixture before adding the peanut butter.
- ✓Serve with rice, fufu, or boiled plantains.
🔄 Variations
- Add chunks of plantain or sweet potato to the sauce during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
- Use chicken or beef instead of fish for a different take on peanut stew.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of tomato paste for a deeper tomato flavor.