📢Introducing Nigerian Fish Roll Recipe
Nigerian Fish Roll Recipe is one of the most popular and delicious snacks in Nigeria, loved for its flaky pastry exterior and rich, spicy fish filling. This tasty snack is commonly sold by street vendors, bakeries, and even made at home for special occasions. If you’re craving a savoury treat with authentic Nigerian flavours, then this easy step-by-step guide will show you how to prepare the perfect Nigerian Fish Roll Recipe from scratch.
Table of Contents
🌟Why You’ll Love This Nigerian Fish Roll Recipe
- Crispy outside, soft and flavorful inside.
- Perfect as a snack, breakfast, or party appetizer.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and can be stored or frozen.
The Nigerian Fish Roll Recipe is a true comfort snack that brings back childhood memories for many Nigerians and is now enjoyed worldwide.
🥟Ingredients for Nigerian Fish Roll
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons margarine or butter
- 1 egg (optional, for richness)
- ½ cup cold water (adjust as needed)
For the Fish Filling:
- 1 can of sardines in oil OR 1 cup cooked mackerel
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for spice)
- Salt & seasoning cubes to taste
🍳Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Frying pan
- Pastry cutter or knife
- Deep fryer or saucepan for frying
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
👩🏽🍳Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish Filling
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the shredded fish and seasoning. Stir and cook for 3–5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Rub in the margarine until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add egg and water gradually until you form a smooth, firm dough.
- Knead for 5–8 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface.
- Cut into rectangles, place some fish filling inside, and roll tightly.
- Seal the edges with water or egg wash.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or saucepan.
- Fry rolls until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Nigerian Fish Roll
💡Pro Tips for the Best Fish Roll
- Use cold water when mixing dough to achieve a flaky texture.
- Don’t overfill the rolls to avoid breakage while frying.
- You can bake instead of frying for a healthier option (brush with egg wash and bake at 180°C / 350°F for 25 minutes).
- Sardines give a richer taste, but you can also use tuna or mackerel.
📊Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving – 1 Fish Roll)
- Calories: ~210 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
(Nutritional data is approximate and based on the USDA Food Database↗)
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake Nigerian Fish Roll instead of frying?
👉 Yes! For a healthier version, brush with egg wash and bake at 180°C / 350°F for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
2. How long can I store Fish Roll?
👉 You can refrigerate for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
3. What type of fish is best for Nigerian Fish Roll?
👉 Canned sardines are the most popular choice, but you can use tuna or freshly cooked mackerel.
4. Why is my fish roll too hard?
👉 Over-kneading the dough or using too little fat can make it hard. Ensure you balance butter and water correctly.
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