Nigerian Fried Egusi Soup Recipe
Nigerian Fried Egusi Soup Recipe
Egusi Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, tradition, and comfort.
Known for its thick texture and nutty flavor, this beloved Nigerian dish is made with ground melon seeds and simmered in a flavorful mix of peppers, meats, and local spices.

While my first Egusi Soup recipe used the boiled method, today we explore the fried version, which offers a richer, deeper flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through everything you need to make the
Perfect Nigerian Fried Egusi Soup (How to Cook Egusi Soup)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups ground melon seeds (egusi)
- 1 lb assorted meats (beef, chicken, or goat), oven-roasted or fried
- 4 cups meat stock or water
- 3 cups chopped spinach (or preferred leafy greens)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 long red bell peppers (tatashe)
- 2 red chili peppers
- 4 scotch bonnet peppers
- Dried catfish (optional)
Spices & Seasonings:
- Salt to taste
- 2 seasoning cubes
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
- 2 teaspoons Cameroon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon iru (fermented locust beans, optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: (How to Make Nigerian Fried Egusi Soup)
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Start by cooking the assorted meats in a pot with 1 scotch bonnet, 1 chopped onion, seasoning cubes, Cameroon pepper, and salt.
After that, allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes or until tender.
Once cooked, separate the meat from the stock.
Lay the meat on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10=15 minutes to enhance its flavor and texture.
Step 2: Create the Pepper Base
Subsequently, blend the remaining scotch bonnets, chili peppers, and bell peppers into a coarse paste.
Pour the blend into a pan and boil for 10-15 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates, leaving a thick, flavorful base.
Step 3: Make the Egusi Paste
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground melon seeds with some finely chopped onions and a small amount of water. Mix into a thick, smooth paste, not too watery.
Step 4: Fry the Egusi
Heat palm oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the egusi paste and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until it becomes clumpy and slightly browned.
This stage releases the signature aroma of fried egusi.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pepper base, roasted meats, Cameroon pepper, ground crayfish, and iru (if using) into the pot with the fried egusi.
Pour in a bit of water or stock and stir well.
Let the soup simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Add the rest of the meat stock gradually while adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
Step 6: Add the Vegetables
Finally, stir in the chopped spinach or any leafy greens of your choice.
Cook for an additional 3 minutes, just enough to wilt the vegetables and bring everything together.
Time to Serve!
Your delicious Nigerian Fried Egusi Soup is ready!
Serve hot with any swallow of your choice, pounded yam, amala, eba, or semovita. The rich, bold flavors and hearty texture make it a meal to remember.
Nigerian Fried Egusi Soup: A Taste of Culture and Comfort
Cooking Nigerian Fried Egusi Soup in your kitchen is more than just making a dish; it’s embracing the richness of Nigerian culture and cuisine.
Each bite tells a story of tradition, flavor, and joy shared across generations.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family feast or enjoying it solo, this iconic soup is guaranteed to leave you satisfied and craving more.