Tilapia Fry ya Kisumu na Ugali (Lake Victoria Crispy Spiced Fish in Tomato-Dhania Gravy) – Authentic Kenya Recipe
From Kisumu on the shores of Lake Victoria: crispy golden tilapia smothered in a jammy cilantro-tomato gravy.
- Country of Origin
- 🇰🇪 Kenya (East Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Crisp pan-fried tilapia fillets, Rich tomato, Bell pepper, Fresh ginger, Garlic
Ingredients for Tilapia Fry ya Kisumu na Ugali (Lake Victoria Crispy Spiced Fish in Tomato-Dhania Gravy) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) crisp pan-fried tilapia fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups rich tomato, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup bell pepper
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh ginger
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Kenya seasoning (garlic, ground coriander, fresh cilantro (dhania), lemon)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and fresh ginger for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add crisp pan-fried tilapia fillets and rich tomato along with garlic, ground coriander, fresh cilantro (dhania), lemon, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with bell pepper and serve straight from the skillet.