Buttered Fried Garri with Tilapia is a beloved West African street food that brings together the unique flavors of fermented cassava (garri) and perfectly grilled fish. This dish, known as Atieke in Côte d’Ivoire, offers a delightful alternative to traditional garri preparation methods.
While traditionally enjoyed as street food across West Africa, this homemade version captures the authentic taste and texture that makes it a regional favorite. The combination of buttery, seasoned garri and well-spiced tilapia creates a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ijebu Garri (or regular garri with lemon juice for tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 chicken seasoning cube
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 whole tilapia fish, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon blended pepper
- 1 medium onion, blended
- 1 tablespoon suya pepper (yaji)
- Fresh vegetables for garnish
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 2
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Mix garri with water in a bowl to form a slightly moist, crumbly texture
- Step 2: Heat butter in a frying pan and add the seasoning cube
- Step 3: Add the moistened garri to the pan and stir-fry for 2 minutes until lightly toasted
- Step 4: Clean and season tilapia with blended pepper, onion, and suya pepper
- Step 5: Let fish marinade for 15 minutes
- Step 6: Preheat oven and cook fish for 20 minutes
- Step 7: Finish under the broiler for extra browning
- Step 8: Serve fish with buttered garri and fresh vegetable garnish
Additional Instructions
- For best results, use Ijebu Garri which has a natural tangy taste
- If using regular garri, add a splash of lemon juice for tanginess
- Charcoal grilling is preferred for authentic taste
- When using charcoal, maintain moderate heat to ensure fish cooks through
- Garnish with fresh chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers
- Store leftover garri in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat garri in a pan with a little butter
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 35g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 40g
- Approx. Fat: 22g
