Spicy Senegalese Fish and Peanut Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and hearty West African stew combining flaky white fish with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce and fresh tomatoes. This african-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs peanut butter (smooth), medium, chopped fresh tomatoes, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 African cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger root. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 chopped fresh tomatoes to the pan and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down and form a chunky sauce.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, 3 cups water, 1 tsp dried chili flakes, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Whisk gently to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb chunks of white fish fillets to the stew, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for added brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Senegalese Fish and Peanut Stew 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 Senegalese Fish and Peanut Stew?

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 Senegalese Fish and Peanut Stew?

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 Senegalese Fish and Peanut Stew 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 Senegalese Fish and Peanut Stew?

African 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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