Liboke de Poisson du Fleuve Congo (Steamed Spiced Catfish/Snapper with Tomatoes & Basil) – Authentic Congo, Dem. Rep. Recipe
Congo River classic steaming fish in a fragrant parcel of tomatoes, ginger, nutmeg, and fresh herbs.
- Country of Origin
- 🇨🇩 Congo, Dem. Rep. (Central Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Thick white fish fillets, Ripe plum tomatoes and sweet bell peppers, Boiled plantains, Fresh basil and parsley, Grated ginger
Ingredients for Liboke de Poisson du Fleuve Congo (Steamed Spiced Catfish/Snapper with Tomatoes & Basil) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) thick white fish fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups ripe plum tomatoes and sweet bell peppers, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup boiled plantains
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh basil and parsley
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Congo, Dem. Rep. seasoning (grated ginger, garlic, scallions, lemon juice, nutmeg)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown thick white fish fillets for 5 minutes.
- Add minced onion, garlic, fresh basil and parsley, and grated ginger, garlic, scallions, lemon juice, nutmeg, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
- Add ripe plum tomatoes and sweet bell peppers and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
- Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
- Stir in boiled plantains right before serving warm.