Nigerian Beef Stew is a tasty and hearty dish made with tender beef, fresh tomatoes, and flavorful spices. It’s perfect for enjoying with rice or your favorite plantains!
This stew is packed with rich flavors that make every bite a delight. I love making a big pot to enjoy leftovers – it’s even better the next day! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Use stewing beef for tenderness. If you don’t have it, chuck roast or brisket can work well too. Just make sure they’re cut into chunks for cooking. You could even substitute with chicken or tofu for a lighter option.
Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes create the best flavor. Canned tomatoes can also be a good substitute if fresh tomatoes aren’t available. Just adjust the quantity to avoid excess moisture.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers: These peppers add a unique heat. If they’re too spicy for your taste, jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes can be used instead, but adjust to your heat preference.
Vegetable Oil: Palm oil gives an authentic taste but it can be replaced with sunflower or canola oil if you prefer a lighter oil. Just keep in mind that the flavor will slightly change.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Beef in My Stew?
The key to tender beef lies in the cooking process. By simmering the beef slowly, you’re allowing it to break down and become soft. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with cold water and bring it to a boil to lock in the beef’s juices.
- Add seasonings early on to infuse flavor while cooking.
- Keep the heat medium-low to avoid boiling, which can make tough cuts even tougher.
Cooking takes time, so don’t rush – patience rewards you with flavorful and tender meat!
Nigerian Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef (preferably stewing beef), cut into chunks
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, blended or finely chopped
- 3 red bell peppers, deseeded and blended
- 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to spice preference), blended
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (half for blending, half for sautéing)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (preferably palm oil or sunflower oil)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dish takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to make. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and then about 1 hour cooking the beef until tender. After that, it just needs some simmering time to blend all those delicious flavors together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by rinsing your beef chunks and placing them in a pot. Pour in about 4 cups of water, add one seasoning cube, a little salt, half of the chopped onion, and a tablespoon of minced garlic and ginger. Turn on the heat to medium and let the beef cook until it is tender—this usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remember to save the beef stock for later!
2. Prepare the Pepper and Tomato Mixture:
In a blender, add your blended tomatoes, red bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers, and the remaining onions. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain this mixture to remove any bits of skin.
3. Fry the Pepper Mix:
Taking a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the tomato paste and fry for 2-3 minutes to enhance its flavor. Next, pour in the blended pepper and tomato mixture. Cook this, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until it reduces and the oil begins to separate from the sauce.
4. Add Spices:
Now, stir in the thyme, curry powder, the remaining minced garlic and ginger, along with the other seasoning cube. Allow this to cook for an additional 5 minutes, and continue stirring to prevent sticking.
5. Combine Beef and Stew:
At this point, add the cooked beef chunks along with any of the reserved beef stock into the stew sauce. If the stew feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add some extra water or beef broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer:
Cover your pot and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. This step lets all the flavors mingle beautifully and allows the beef to soak in the tasty stew.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Before the final step, take a taste and adjust any salt or spices as desired. The seasoning is crucial for maximizing flavor!
8. Serve:
Once everything is perfectly seasoned and cooked, garnish your stew with chopped green onions. It’s best served hot alongside white rice, fried plantains, or yam. Enjoy!
Enjoy your rich, flavorful Nigerian Beef Stew!
Can I Use Alternative Meats for This Stew?
Yes! You can use chicken, lamb, or even goat if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is tender. Chicken, for instance, will cook faster, so check it after about 20-25 minutes.
Can I Make This Stew in Advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge. You can cook it, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
What Should I Serve With Nigerian Beef Stew?
This stew pairs excellently with white rice, fried plantains, or yam. You can also serve it with fufu or eba for a more authentic Nigerian meal!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
