How to Cook Nigerian Fisherman Soup
There are some soups you taste once and never forget. Fisherman Soup is one of them.
Fisherman Soup comes from the riverine tribes of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. It is especially common among the Efik and Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom.
The fishermen used to make the soup after a day's catch from whatever seafood they had just gotten from the river. That’s why the soup is light, not too oily, and rich in natural seafood flavor.
The best part? You don’t need to be a fisherman to enjoy it. With the right ingredients, you can cook this soup right in your kitchen like a pro.
Photo by Bellanaija
So What are the Ingredients I Need?
Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need to create this recipe:
- Fresh Fish: Tilapia fillets croaker, catfish, or any fish of your choice (you can combine for deeper flavor).
- Seafood: Prawns, periwinkle, crayfish, stockfish, lobster, clams, or calamari. Choose a mix based on your preference.
- Spices: Ground crayfish, seasoning cubes, and salt.
- Pepper: Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper.
- Soup Base: Palm oil (just a little), water.
- Optional Extras: Onions, okra (for light thickness), and leafy greens like waterleaf, spinach, uziza leaves, or scent leaf for a spicy aroma.
If you want to make your fisherman soup even richer in taste, don’t miss our guide on 10 African Spices and Condiment Mixes You Must Try. These spices are secret weapons in many African soups and stews.
The Recipe
Cooking fisherman soup is very easy, simpler than you imagine; you just have to follow the procedure and recipe. Here’s how to cook it in your kitchen:
- Start with a base. Warm a small splash of palm oil in a pot. Add chopped onions (optional), ground crayfish, and blended pepper. Fry lightly until the aroma hits you.
- Add water. Add enough water to make the soup base. Let it come to a gentle boil.
- Add your seafood. Add your washed tilapia fillets, croaker pieces, prawns, periwinkle, clams, calamari, stockfish, or lobster—whichever combo you’re using. Let it simmer slowly.
- Season. Add salt and seasoning cubes. Taste and adjust as you go.
- Thicken (optional). If you like, stir in a little grated okra or cocoyam paste or our Aso Rock Soup Thickener to make the soup slightly thick.
- Add Fresh Vegetables. When almost done, add your chopped spinach or waterleaf. For aroma, use uziza or scent leaves instead.
- Salt to taste. Adjust seasoning one last time.
- Serve and enjoy. Pair with pounded yam, eba, semo, rice, or even boiled yam.
Cooking for family and kids? We’ve shared some fun and safe recipes in Kid-Friendly African Recipes: Safe Spices for Babies and Easy Dinners, perfect if you want to keep meals both tasty and family-approved.
Pro Tips
- Mix your seafood. Fisherman soup tastes better when you combine tilapia with prawns, periwinkle, or clams. Let each seafood add its own flavor.
- Don’t overcook fish. Fresh fish can break apart if left too long, so simmer gently.
- Keep it light. Unlike other Nigerian soups, fisherman soup should feel fresh, not heavy with palm oil.
Why You Should Try Fisherman Soup
The fisherman soup is not just another soup—it’s a statement in a bowl. Every spoonful is packed with all the right nutrients and proteins your body needs. If you’re craving a home-cooked meal anywhere in the United States, this is one recipe that will make you feel right at home.
And if you’re craving more inspiration, explore our blog on 5 More Must-Have Nigerian Soups You Should Try for even more authentic and delicious soup recipes.
At Aso Rock Market, your trusted African grocery store in the U.S., we stock everything you need to make this fisherman soup—from tilapia and croaker to prawns, stockfish, and spices.
Visit our online store to order your fresh ingredients, and enjoy this delicious recipe with your family this weekend.