Cooking with Shito: 5 Quick and Easy Recipes Using Just One Spoonful

August 8, 2025

Cooking with Shito: 5 Quick Recipes That Need Just One Spoonful

Add Bold Ghanaian Flavour to Any Dish—with Just a Spoonful of Shito

Shito is a popular Ghanaian hot pepper sauce cherished across West Africa and beyond for its bold, rich, and smoky flavor. Made by cooking together dried fish or shrimp, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, onions, and spices in oil, it delivers a spicy and savory taste that’s unforgettable. This dark, oily sauce is flavorful—the kind of taste that lingers and keeps you coming back for more.

More than just a condiment, shito is incredibly versatile and a secret ingredient in many kitchens. It can be used as a dip, a marinade, or a flavor enhancer in dishes like rice, grilled meats, fried fish, or even bread. Just a spoonful adds depth and heat, transforming simple meals into something truly delicious.

Image from: 196 Flavors

Just one spoonful of Shito can turn simple eggs, noodles, grilled meats—even plain rice—into a tasty meal full of rich flavor and spice. If you’ve got a jar sitting in your pantry, you’re only minutes away from cooking up something delicious and packed with flavor.

At Joe’s African Caribbean Market, we carry authentic Ghanaian Shito—and once you try it, you'll want to add it to everything.

Here are quick, easy recipes that come to life with just one spoonful of this powerhouse condiment.

Shito Fried Rice

A twist on your usual fried rice—spicy, savory, and smoky all at once.

Image from: iStock Photo

Fast, Flavorful, and Ready to Serve

Begin by sautéing chopped onions and your favorite veggies in some oil until fragrant and slightly tender.
Add cold rice and mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
Next, stir in one generous spoonful of Shito and fry for 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce infuse the rice with its rich, smoky heat.
For an extra layer of flavor, finish with a splash of soy sauce or a seasoning cube—totally optional but highly recommended.

In no time, you’ve got a simple yet mouthwatering meal that’s full of bold taste and ready to enjoy.

Shito Noodles (The Ghanaian Way)

Fast food just got a spicy upgrade. If you’re craving something quick but packed with flavor, it’s time to turn instant noodles into an irresistible meal.

Delicious in No Time

Start by boiling your instant noodles as usual.
Once cooked, drain them and stir-fry with fresh onions, eggs, and your favorite veggies to add some texture and nutrition.
Add just one spoonful of Shito and mix everything until the noodles are beautifully coated in that rich, smoky, spicy sauce.

In minutes, you’ve transformed a simple convenience meal into a delicious dish bursting with bold flavor—no takeout needed.

Shito Egg Sandwich

Think of it as the Ghanaian breakfast classic—with a kick.

Image from: iStock Photo

How to Whip This Up in 5 Minutes:

Start by frying or scrambling two eggs just the way you like them.
While that’s cooking, spread a generous layer of Shito onto toasted bread or a crusty baguette.
Then, pile on the eggs, add some thinly sliced onions, and finish with a dash of black pepper for that perfect touch of spice.

In just minutes, you’ll have a simple, flavorful sandwich that’s anything but ordinary—quick, tasty, and packed with bold, smoky heat.

Grilled Fish with Shito Glaze

Perfect for tilapia, red snapper, or mackerel from Joe’s Market.

Image from: Pinterest

Brush. Grill. Impress.

Season your fish with salt, fresh lemon juice, and your favorite spices for a zesty base.
Next, brush it generously with a flavorful shito glaze—just mix shito with a splash of lemon juice and a bit of oil.
Then, grill or bake the fish until the skin is crispy and the flavors have melded perfectly.

The result? A smoky, spicy, and tangy dish that’s bursting with deliciousness.

Yam or Plantain + Shito

A no-fuss Ghanaian classic.

Zero Stress. All Flavor.

Boil yams until tender or fry ripe plantains until golden and caramelized.
Serve them hot with a generous spoonful of Shito on the side for dipping.

This easy combo brings together the natural sweetness of the yams or plantains with the smoky, spicy kick of shito—making every bite comforting and full of flavor.

🛒 Where to Buy Authentic Shito in Canada

Looking for real Ghanaian Shito that packs flavor? You’ll find it at Joe’s African Caribbean Market, available online for fast Canadian delivery. We carry:

Spicy and Mild Shito varieties
Home-style and commercial brands
Small jars for testing, or bulk for Shito lovers

Why Just One Spoon of Shito Is All You Need

Shito isn’t just spicy—it’s layered with umami, smoky heat, and rich, savory flavour from dried seafood and carefully toasted spices. A little goes a long way.

Whether you're cooking or just need a quick dip, one spoon is all it takes to transform your meal.