Authentic Nigerian Asun Recipe: Spicy Roasted Goat Meat

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Goat Meat
  • 2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers (Ata Rodo)
  • 2 Red Bell Peppers
  • 2 Onions
  • 5 cloves Garlic
  • 1 thumb-sized Ginger
  • 1 tablespoon Thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Curry Powder
  • 1 tablespoon White Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
  • 2 stock cubes
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the goat meat into small chunks.
  2. Season the meat with thyme, curry powder, white pepper, black pepper, stock cubes, and salt.
  3. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the meat and mix thoroughly.
  4. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Place the marinated meat in a pot, add a little water and cook on medium heat until the meat is tender and the water is almost dried out.
  6. While the meat is cooking, blend the Scotch bonnet peppers and red bell peppers until smooth.
  7. Heat up vegetable oil in a large frying pan, add the remaining chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
  8. Add the pepper blend to the onions and fry for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly.
  9. Add the cooked meat to the pepper sauce and stir until all the pieces are well coated.
  10. Reduce the heat to low and let the meat simmer in the sauce for another 10 minutes.
  11. Your Asun is ready to serve.

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - Used for cutting and preparing the ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the meat and vegetables.
  • Blender - Used to blend the Scotch bonnet peppers and red bell peppers into a smooth paste.
  • Large Pot - Used for cooking the marinated meat.
  • Frying Pan - Used to sauté the onions and fry the pepper sauce.
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of meat such as chicken or beef instead of goat meat.
  • Add diced bell peppers and onions to the marinade for added flavor.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like paprika, cayenne pepper, or jerk seasoning.
  • Include other herbs like rosemary or basil in the marinade for a unique twist.
  • For a spicier version, add extra Scotch bonnet peppers or include other hot peppers like habanero.
  • Try grilling the meat instead of cooking it on the stovetop for a smoky flavor.
  • Include some smoked or grilled onions in the pepper sauce for added depth of flavor.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the meat with tofu or mushrooms and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Add a splash of lime or lemon juice to the sauce for a citrusy tang.
  • Serve the Asun with a side of fried plantains or yam for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

Asun is a mouthwatering, spicy grilled goat meat dish that originates from the Western part of Nigeria. This flavorful delicacy is usually served at parties and festive occasions, but can also be enjoyed at home as a meal or snack. This recipe provides a simple and straightforward method for preparing Asun. It involves marinating the goat meat in a rich blend of spices, then slow-cooking it until tender. The meat is then sautéed in a sizzling pepper sauce that gives it its distinctive spicy kick. The end result is a savory, spicy, and irresistibly delicious dish that you'll find yourself coming back to again and again. Whether you're new to Nigerian cuisine or a seasoned pro, this Asun recipe is sure to impress. So get your ingredients ready and join us in cooking up a storm!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to marinate the meat? Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  2. How long does it take to cook the goat meat? Cook the meat on medium heat until it is tender and the water is almost dried out. This usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
  3. Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer Scotch bonnet peppers.
  4. Can I use a different type of meat instead of goat meat? Yes, you can use any other meat of your choice such as beef or lamb, but the cooking time may vary.
  5. Can I make the pepper sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the pepper sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  6. What can I serve with Asun? Asun is often enjoyed as a starter or appetizer. It pairs well with a side of plantain, yam, or rice.
  7. Is Asun spicy? Yes, Asun has a spicy flavor due to the use of Scotch bonnet peppers. Adjust the amount of peppers according to your spice preference.
  8. Can I grill the meat instead of cooking it on the stovetop? Yes, grilling the meat adds a smoky flavor to the dish. You can cook the marinated meat on a grill until it is cooked through and then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to marinate the goat meat and mix the seasonings.
  • Pot - Used for cooking the goat meat until tender.
  • Blender - To blend the Scotch bonnet peppers and red bell peppers into a smooth paste.
  • Frying Pan - Used to fry the onions and pepper sauce.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
  • Knife - To cut the goat meat into small chunks and chop the onions.
  • Cutting Board - Provides a surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the spices and seasonings.

Origin stories

Asun is a mouthwatering, spicy grilled goat meat dish that originated from the Yoruba people in the Western part of Nigeria. Traditionally, it's prepared using the 'cut and burn' method where the meat is cut into sizable chunks, spiced, and then grilled over an open flame. This gives it a unique smoky flavor that is highly cherished. Asun is often served at parties and festive occasions, and it's a popular street food in many Nigerian cities. In the bustling city of Lagos, you'll often find local vendors preparing Asun in makeshift roadside grills, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of this beloved dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.