How to make Nigerian beef stew
Make a tomato-and-pepper stew with seasoned beef that can be served with rice and other staples.
What you'll need0 of 7 ready
Steps
Tap a number when you finish a stepSeason the beef with onion, garlic, ginger, thyme, curry powder, seasoning and salt. Cook until tender and save the stock.
Fry or grill the cooked beef until browned, then set it aside.
Blend the tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic and ginger. Cook the mixture down until much of its water has evaporated.
Heat oil and fry sliced onion, garlic and bay leaf. Add tomato paste if using it.
Add the reduced tomato-and-pepper mixture and fry it, stirring from time to time, until the raw sour taste is gone and the oil begins to separate.
Add beef stock and the remaining seasonings. Simmer for about 8 minutes.
Return the beef to the pot and simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes before tasting and adjusting the seasoning.
Watch out
- Hot oil and thick tomato sauce can splatter; use a deep pot and stir carefully.
- Cook the beef fully and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Tips
- Reducing the blended tomatoes before frying shortens the frying time.
- Keep the beef stock because it adds depth to the stew.
Local variations
- Pork can be used in place of beef, and rosemary, nutmeg or Cameroon pepper can be added to taste.
Sources1
- Nigerian Food TV — Nigerian Beef Stew: https://www.nigerianfoodtv.com/nigerian-beef-stew-recipe-how-to-make-nigerian-stew-authentic-beef-stew-for-parties-and-jollof-rice/ (checked 29 September 2026)
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