Kenkey and Fish – Fermented Maize Dumpling Served with Fried Fish and Spicy Shito Sauce

A Staple Ghanaian Dish Loved for Its Unique Flavour and Texture

Kenkey and Fish is a classic Ghanaian dish made from fermented maize dough, wrapped in maize husks and steamed to perfection. It is served with crispy fried fish and a generous helping of shito sauce, a rich, spicy black pepper sauce made with dried shrimp, fish, and a blend of aromatic spices.

This dish is widely enjoyed in Ghana, particularly among the Ga and Fante communities. It is a high-energy, protein-packed meal that balances the slightly sour taste of kenkey with the crispy, savoury fish and spicy shito. Whether enjoyed as street food or a home-cooked meal, Kenkey and Fish is a must-try West African delicacy.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3–4 hours (for steaming Kenkey)
• Calories per Serving: 680 kcal
• Cooking Difficulty: Moderate
• Lifestyle Suitability & Specialty: Gluten-Free, Traditional Ghanaian Cuisine
• Countries Where the Meal is Popular: Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast

Detailed Description

Kenkey is made from fermented maize dough, shaped into large dumplings, and wrapped in corn husks before being steamed for several hours. This gives it a firm, doughy texture and a distinctive sour taste, which pairs beautifully with fried fish and spicy condiments.

The fish, usually tilapia or mackerel, is seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, ginger, and garlic, then deep-fried until crispy. It is commonly served with shito sauce, a rich Ghanaian black pepper sauce made from blended peppers, dried shrimp, and smoked fish, adding a deep umami flavour to the meal.

Kenkey is a great source of carbohydrates, while fish provides lean protein and healthy fats. The spicy shito sauce not only enhances the dish’s bold flavours but also boosts metabolism with its fiery ingredients.

Ingredients (Serving for 2 People)

✅ For the Kenkey:
✔ 3 cups fermented maize dough → Shop Fermented Maize Dough
✔ 1 cup water
✔ ½ tsp salt

✅ For the Fried Fish:
✔ 2 whole tilapia or mackerel → Shop Fresh Tilapia
✔ 1 tbsp ginger, grated
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 tsp black pepper
✔ 1 tsp cayenne pepper
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ 1 tbsp lemon juice
✔ 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying) → Shop Cooking Oils

✅ For the Spicy Shito Sauce:
✔ ½ cup dried shrimp → Shop Dried Seafood
✔ ½ cup smoked fish, shredded
✔ 2 tbsp tomato paste
✔ 4 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to spice level)
✔ 1 medium onion, finely chopped
✔ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✔ ½ cup vegetable oil
✔ 1 tsp black pepper
✔ 1 tsp salt

Items Not Included in Delivery

• Water
• Lemon juice

List of Utensils Required

• 1 large pot for steaming kenkey
• 1 medium pot for frying fish
• 1 frying pan for preparing shito sauce
• 1 blender for grinding shito ingredients
• 1 wooden spoon for stirring

Nutritional Information (Per Serving & Per 100g)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Kenkey

1️⃣ In a large bowl, mix the fermented maize dough with water and salt, stirring until smooth.
2️⃣ Divide the dough into portions, then wrap each portion in maize husks to form dumplings.
3️⃣ Place the wrapped kenkey in a large pot with water, cover, and steam over low heat for 3–4 hours until firm.

Step 2: Season and Fry the Fish

4️⃣ Rinse and pat dry the fish, then make small cuts along the sides for better seasoning absorption.
5️⃣ In a bowl, mix ginger, garlic, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, and lemon juice.
6️⃣ Rub the seasoning mixture generously over the fish, ensuring it is well coated.
7️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the fish for 10–12 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Shito Sauce

8️⃣ Blend dried shrimp, smoked fish, Scotch bonnet peppers, onion, garlic, and tomato paste until smooth.
9️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a pan over low heat, then add the blended mixture.
🔟 Stir in black pepper and salt, and cook for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

🔹 Serve steamed kenkey alongside crispy fried fish and a generous spoonful of spicy shito sauce.
🔹 Enjoy this authentic Ghanaian meal with fresh vegetables or sliced onions for extra flavour!

Explore Related Categories & Subcategories

✔ Shop Fresh Tilapia & Seafood
✔ Shop Ghanaian Dough & Fermented Products
✔ Shop African Spices & Seasonings
✔ Shop Cooking Oils & Fresh Vegetables

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✔ Fufu & Light Soup
✔ Jamaican Jerk Chicken

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