Ikokore
Ikokore is a traditional Nigerian dish native to the Ijebu and Ilaje communities of southwestern Nigeria, particularly in Ondo State. It is prepared from grated water yam cooked in a richly seasoned broth containing fish, seafood, palm oil, and spices. The dish has a soft, pudding-like texture and is valued for its distinctive flavour and nutritional content. Ikokore is commonly served as a main meal during family gatherings, festivals, and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 large water yam
- 500 g assorted fish (fresh or smoked)
- 1 cup ground crayfish
- 1/2 cup palm oil
- 2–3 tablespoons ground pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 seasoning cubes
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups water or fish stock
- Periwinkles or shrimp (optional)
Ingredients for 4 servings (1.9 kg) · the original recipe
Method
- 1
Preparing the ingredient: 1. Peel and wash the water yam.
- 2
2. Grate the water yam into a bowl and set aside.
- 3
3. Clean and prepare the fish and any seafood being used.
- 4
4. Chop the onion and measure out the remaining ingredients.
- 5
Cooking: 5. Pour water or fish stock into a large pot and bring to a boil.
Stovetop - 6
6. Add palm oil, onions, pepper, crayfish, seasoning cubes, and salt.
- 7
7. Add the fish and cook for several minutes.
- 8
8. Gradually add the grated water yam in small portions, stirring gently.
- 9
9. Allow the mixture to cook on medium heat until the yam thickens and absorbs the broth.
Stovetop - 10
10.Add periwinkles or shrimp if using.
- 11
11.Continue cooking for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 12
12.Adjust seasoning and remove from heat when the dish reaches a soft, thick consistency.
Recipe from Wikibooks Cookbook, written by Wikibooks contributors. Used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence; the ingredient list and method on this page are taken from that page and edited (its notes, tips and variations are not reproduced), and are available under the same licence. The macros, equipment tags and scaling are Ma Kitchen’s own and are not the source’s figures. Ma Kitchen is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wikibooks Cookbook. Copied on 2026-11-12.
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