10+ Best Equatorial Guinean Recipes You Need to Try Once

Equatorial Guinean cuisine might not be the most talked-about, but trust me—it’s packed with vibrant flavors that’ll blow you away.

This small Central African country is known for its rich culinary traditions influenced by local ingredients and hints of Spanish and African flavors.

If you’ve never explored these dishes before, you’re seriously missing out.

Ready to discover something new? From hearty stews to finger-licking fried treats, these recipes will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Each dish comes with its own flair, so roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

1. Chicken with Peanut Sauce (Pollo en Salsa de Cacahuete)

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make It:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft and fragrant. Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they break down.
3. Stir in the peanut butter, cayenne pepper, and chicken broth. Mix well until the sauce is smooth.
4. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice or boiled plantains for a true Equatorial Guinean experience.

Why did this make it to our list? The combination of tender chicken and rich, nutty peanut sauce is nothing short of magical.

It’s comfort food at its finest, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

2. Smoked Fish with Plantains (Pescado Ahumado con Plátanos)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked fish (tilapia or mackerel)
• 4 large plantains, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make It:

1. Boil the plantains in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a skillet and sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and paprika. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
4. Add the smoked fish, breaking it into chunks. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
5. Serve the fish and sauce over the boiled plantains.

Why did we choose it? This dish brings together smoky, creamy, and savory flavors in the most delicious way.

It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for anyone who loves bold tastes.

3. Cassava Leaves Stew (Sopa de Hojas de Yuca)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cassava leaves (fresh or frozen)
• 1 lb beef or chicken, cubed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup palm oil or vegetable oil
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the meat and cook until browned on all sides. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Stir in the cassava leaves and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the broth and bring it to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the leaves are soft.
5. Serve hot with rice or boiled yams.

Why did we select it? Cassava leaves stew is a staple in Equatorial Guinea, offering earthy and rich flavors.

It’s a dish that feels like home with every bite.

4. Fried Plantain Chips (Chifles)

Ingredients:

• 4 green plantains
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. Peel the plantains and slice them thinly into rounds or strips.
2. Heat the oil in a deep pan until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
3. Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt while still warm.

Why did we choose it? These crispy plantain chips are addictive.

Whether you eat them on their own or pair them with a spicy dipping sauce, they’re impossible to resist.

5. Malamba (Sugarcane Drink)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh sugarcane juice
• 1 lime, juiced
• Ice cubes
• Water (optional, for dilution)

How to Make It:

1. Mix the sugarcane juice and lime juice in a pitcher.
2. Add ice cubes and water if you prefer a milder flavor.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing taste.

Why did this make it to our list? Malamba is the ultimate refresher. It’s naturally sweet, with a citrusy twist that’ll keep you coming back for more.

6. Groundnut Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground peanuts (or peanut butter)
• 1 lb beef or chicken, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Brown the meat in a large pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the onion, garlic, and tomatoes until soft.
3. Stir in the ground peanuts and cayenne pepper. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly.
4. Return the meat to the pot and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Why did we choose it? Groundnut soup is a rich and comforting dish that’s both hearty and full of flavor.

The peanut sauce gives it an irresistible nutty twist.

7. Banana Fritters (Buñuelos de Plátano)

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. Mix the mashed bananas, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until you get a thick batter.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
3. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Why did this make it to our list? Sweet, crispy, and soft on the inside, banana fritters are a must-try. They’re the perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.

8. Cocoyam Porridge

Ingredients:

• 4 cocoyams, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 2 cups coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make It:

1. Boil the cocoyam chunks in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pot, heat the oil and sauté the onion and tomatoes until soft.
3. Add the spinach and coconut milk, then stir in the cocoyam.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes until everything is well combined and creamy.

Why did we select it? Cocoyam porridge is creamy, hearty, and packed with nutrients. It’s comfort food with a tropical twist.

9. Spinach and Egg Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh spinach, chopped
• 4 eggs
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make It:

1. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onion, garlic, and tomatoes until soft.
2. Add the spinach and cook for 5 minutes until wilted.
3. Make four small wells in the spinach and crack an egg into each.
4. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the eggs are set.

Why did we choose it? This dish is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens while enjoying a satisfying meal.

10. Fried Fish with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 whole fish (tilapia or snapper), cleaned
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden brown. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and tomatoes until soft. Add paprika and cook for 5 more minutes.
3. Pour the sauce over the fried fish and serve hot.

Why did this make it to our list? Fried fish with tomato sauce is a classic. The crispy fish combined with the rich tomato sauce is pure comfort on a plate.

11. Sweet Coconut Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make It:

1. Cook the rice in water until tender, then drain.
2. In a pot, combine the coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add the cooked rice and stir until well coated. Cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Serve warm or cold as a dessert.

Why did we choose it? Sweet coconut rice is a dessert you won’t forget. It’s creamy, fragrant, and the perfect way to end any meal.

Conclusion

Equatorial Guinean recipes are an adventure for your taste buds.

Whether it’s the comforting peanut sauce or the refreshing sugarcane drink, there’s something for everyone.

So, grab your apron and get cooking! These dishes will transport you to a world of bold flavors and unforgettable meals.