Catfish Stew Nigerian – Best Buka Style Fish Stew Recipe

July 15, 2025 Odiraa

Catfish Stew Nigerian – Best Buka Style Fish Stew Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes or less
Cuisine: Nigerian
Course: Lunch, Dinner
Category: African Stew, Traditional Nigerian Recipes
Keywords: Nigerian catfish stew, catfish stew recipe, how to cook catfish stew, Nigerian fish stew, buka stew, how to clean catfish, African fish stew, Nigerian stew with catfish, tomato stew with fish, catfish soup Nigeria, palm oil fish stew

Introduction: Catfish Stew Nigerian (Buka Style)

Looking for a recipe for catfish stew in the Nigerian style that’s just as rich and flavorful as the one served in local buka joints?

This traditional Nigerian fish stew is made with fresh catfish, spicy tomato-pepper blend, and cooked in palm oil for that authentic taste you crave.

This catfish stew recipe is a Nigerian classic, perfect served with rice, yam, plantains, or okra soup. It’s healthy, hearty, and comforting, with bold flavors from peppers, garlic, and onions that make it irresistible.

Why This is the Best Recipe

Made with simple, everyday Nigerian ingredients
Authentic buka-style flavor
Perfect for boiled rice, yams, plantains, or beans
Step-by-step guide on how to clean and cook fresh catfish
Can be made with fish fillets or whole catfish

Ingredients

1 medium-sized fresh catfish (cleaned and cut)
10 medium plum tomatoes
10 pieces of chili pepper
2–3 Scotch bonnets (for extra heat)
2–3 large Tatashey (red bell peppers)
1 large onion (divided)
2 seasoning cubes (Knorr/Maggi)
Salt to taste
4 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
1 cup palm oil (or groundnut/olive oil)
2 cups water (for fish stock)

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Cook Catfish Stew Nigerian Style

Step 1: How to Clean Catfish

To remove slime and smell from the fish, pour hot water over the catfish skin and scrub with salt or lemon. Rinse thoroughly and cut into steak-sized pieces.

Step 2: Parboil the Catfish

In a pot, add the catfish, chopped onions, salt, and seasoning cubes. Pour in 2 cups of water and steam for 5 minutes only. Be careful—catfish is very delicate. Set the fish and stock aside.

Step 3: Blend Tomato-Pepper Mix

Remove seeds and stalks from the peppers. Blend the tomatoes, tatashey, chili peppers, scotch bonnet, and half the onion into a smooth paste.
Pour into a pot and boil until thickened (about 10–15 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Fry the Stew Base

In another pot, heat the palm oil. Add the remaining chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
Add the thick pepper-tomato mix and fry for 10–12 minutes. Stir regularly to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil floats to the top.

Step 5: Add Stock and Simmer

Add the reserved catfish stock and minced garlic. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Catfish

Gently place the catfish into the stew. DO NOT stir to avoid breaking the fish.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, until the fish is fully cooked and the oil has risen to the top.

Serving Suggestions – What to Eat with Catfish Stew

This Nigerian tomato stew with catfish pairs beautifully with:

White rice
Boiled yam
Pounded yam
Fried plantains
Ukpo ogede
Beans or sweet potatoes
Swallow and okra soup (Plain Okro)

Tips for the Best Catfish Stew

Always clean catfish thoroughly to remove the slime.
Use palm oil for authentic Nigerian buka flavor.
To avoid mushy fish, handle catfish gently and cook it at the final stage.
For a lighter version, use olive or groundnut oil.

Other Popular Nigerian Stew Recipes You’ll Love:

Nigerian Chicken Stew
Nigerian Fish Pepper Soup
Ofada Stew (Ayamase)
Goat Meat Stew (Asun Stew)
Tomato Stew with Titus Fish
Tilapia Fish Stew Nigerian Style

Conclusion

This stew is the ultimate comfort food—flavor-packed, tender, spicy, and mouthwatering.

Whether you’re looking for authentic buka-style stew or just craving a hearty homemade Nigerian fish dish, this recipe delivers every time.

Make it today and taste the difference!

Q: Can I use smoked fish or dried fish?
A: Yes, you can use smoked or dried fish, but the flavor will differ. This recipe focuses on fresh catfish.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Q: Is catfish stew spicy?
A: It’s moderately spicy. You can reduce the number of peppers to suit your heat tolerance.