Spiced Fish Moimoi

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A steamed bean pudding infused with fresh fish and aromatic herbs, served as a traditional Nigerian breakfast or snack. This Nigerian-inspired recipe, ready in about 75 minutes, combines black-eyed peas, fish, onion into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Nigerian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, blend soaked black-eyed peas until smooth, adding a splash of water if needed. Transfer to a bowl and mix with minced fish, chopped onion, chopped Scotch bonnet peppers, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, thyme, ground ginger, cilantro, and salt.
  2. Step 2: Grease a 2-cup ramekin with oil. Pour bean mixture into ramekin, smoothing the top. Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
  3. Step 3: Place ramekin in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Steam for 45 minutes until set. Let cool 5 minutes before inverting onto a plate.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Fish Moimoi take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Spiced Fish Moimoi?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Fish Moimoi?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Fish Moimoi for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Fish Moimoi?

Nigerian breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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