Nigerian · beginner
Nigerian Ila Alasepo Okra Stew With Shrimp
A classic one-pot Nigerian okra stew simmered with rich dried crayfish, aromatic chili, and seared shrimp for a flavorful broth.
- PREP TIME
- 15 min
- COOK TIME
- 20 min
- SERVES
- 4
Good things
start in the kitchen.
LET’S MAKE IT
Step by step
- 01
Heat the red palm oil in a pot over medium heat for 1 minute without letting it smoke.
- 02
Add the chopped yellow onion and minced scotch bonnet pepper, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- 03
Pour in the pureed red bell pepper, ground crayfish powder, and vegetable stock, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- 04
Season the broth with salt and let it bubble uncovered for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- 05
Add the finely sliced okra to the bubbling stock, stirring well. Cook uncovered for 4 minutes to preserve the bright green color.
- 06
Add the peeled shrimp into the stew and cook for an additional 4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout.
A LITTLE KITCHEN KNOW-HOW
Viscosity Control
Adding okra late to a bubbling broth without a lid to preserve color, body, and crisp-tender texture.
Notes from the kitchen
- Do not cover the pot after adding okra, as covering traps steam and alters the stew's natural body.
- Ground crayfish powder provides the signature savory West African umami depth to this soup.
- Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Nigerian; regional versions vary.
- Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.