Spicy Cameroonian Ndolé with Shrimp and Bitterleaf

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, spicy stew blending tender shrimp with bitterleaf and peanut flavors, simmered to soulful perfection. This ethiopian-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined, bitterleaf, washed and chopped, peanut butter (smooth) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 diced medium fresh tomatoes and 1 small minced scotch bonnet pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups chopped bitterleaf, stirring well and cooking for 5 minutes until wilted and tender.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter with 2 cups water or stock, whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined fresh shrimp, stirring to coat, and cook uncovered for 7-8 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the sauce coats them richly.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with steamed rice or fufu.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Cameroonian Ndolé with Shrimp and Bitterleaf take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Cameroonian Ndolé with Shrimp and Bitterleaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep peanut butter (smooth) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Cameroonian Ndolé with Shrimp and Bitterleaf?

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 Spicy Cameroonian Ndolé with Shrimp and Bitterleaf 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 Spicy Cameroonian Ndolé with Shrimp and Bitterleaf?

Ethiopian seafood 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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