6 Mouthwatering West African Seafood Dishes of Houston You Didn’t Know You Needed

Houston’s food scene is full of hidden gems, and these West African seafood dishes are among the best. They offer a unique culinary experience that’s different from the typical seafood fare you might find in the city. Each dish tells a story, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of West Africa, and they’re all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients that are sure to delight your taste buds.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of West African cuisine or new to these flavors, these dishes are a must-try. They show how varied Houston’s food scene is and remind us of the city’s wide range of cultures. So the next time you’re in the mood for something different, head to one of Houston’s West African restaurants and try one of these mouthwatering seafood dishes. You won’t be disappointed.

1. Pepper Soup with Catfish

A quintessential West African dish, Pepper Soup is a hot, spicy broth that features prominently in Nigerian cuisine. In Houston, this dish is often made with fresh catfish, a local favorite. The catfish is simmered in a broth infused with aromatic spices like uziza, alligator pepper, and nutmeg. The result is a flavorful, spicy soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or as a remedy for a cold. The heat from the spices is balanced by the tender, flaky catfish, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.

Pepper Soup with Catfish is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. The intense heat, the complexity of the spices, and the fresh taste of the catfish all come together to create a dish that warms the soul. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore the depths of West African cuisine in Houston.

1. Ghanaian Grilled Tilapia

Ghanaian Grilled Tilapia is a dish that showcases the simplicity and bold flavors of West African cooking. The tilapia is marinated in a mixture of spices, including garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper, and fresh herbs, before being grilled to perfection. The result is a fish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a smoky flavor that’s enhanced by the spice marinade.

In Houston, you can find this dish at various West African eateries, where it’s often served with a side of jollof rice, fried plantains, or spicy shito sauce. The combination of the grilled fish with these flavorful sides makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s full of West African spirit.

1. Senegalese Thieboudienne

Thieboudienne, often considered the national dish of Senegal, is a one-pot dish that brings together fish, rice, and vegetables in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. A dish from West Africa called Thieboudienne roughly means “rice and fish.” In Houston, this dish is often made with red snapper, which is stewed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like saffron and bay leaves.

What makes Thieboudienne special is the way the rice absorbs the rich flavors of the fish and sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. It’s a must-try for anyone interested in exploring the flavors of Senegal and West Africa more broadly.

1. Nigerian Banga Soup with Seafood

Banga Soup is a traditional Nigerian dish made from palm fruit extract, giving it a rich, earthy flavor and a vibrant red color. In Houston, Banga Soup is often prepared with an assortment of seafood, including crab, shrimp, and fish, making it a seafood lover’s dream. The soup is thickened with native spices like ataiko and irugeje, which give it a unique flavor that’s unlike any other soup.

This dish is typically served with a side of starch, such as pounded yam or eba, which helps to soak up the delicious soup. Banga Soup with Seafood is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to dive into the rich culinary traditions of Nigeria.

1. Ivorian Poisson Braisé

Poisson Braisé, or grilled fish, is a popular dish in Ivory Coast that’s known for its bold flavors and simplicity. The fish, often tilapia or red snapper, is marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs before being grilled over an open flame. The result is a fish that’s charred and smoky on the outside, while tender and juicy on the inside.

In Houston, Poisson Braisé is often served with attiéké, a side dish made from fermented cassava that has a texture similar to couscous. The combination of the grilled fish and attiéké, along with a side of spicy onion and tomato sauce, makes for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

1. Gambian Yassa with Shrimp

Yassa is a popular dish from Gambia and Senegal that features chicken or fish marinated in a tangy mixture of onions, lemon juice, and mustard before being grilled or fried. In Houston, you can find a seafood version of this dish made with shrimp. The shrimp is marinated and then sautéed with the onions and a mixture of spices, creating a dish that’s both tangy and savory.

Yassa with Shrimp is a dish that’s perfect for those who love bold, tangy flavors. The combination of the succulent shrimp with the caramelized onions and zesty lemon juice creates a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.