June 16, 2025

Samaki

Samaki is fried or grilled fish (often tilapia or Nile perch), a favorite in Western and coastal Kenya.

Ingredients

Whole tilapia (1, cleaned)

Oil (3 tablespoons)

Salt (1 tablespoon)

Black pepper (1/2 tablespoons)

Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)

Garlic (2 cloves, minced, optional)

Preparation

Score fish, rub with salt, pepper, lemon juice and garlic (if using); let sit 15 minutes.

Heat oil in a pan or grill over charcoal.

Fry or grill fish for 5-7 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.

Serve with ugali and kachumbari.