Dry Stockfish vs. Fresh Catfish: Which Tastes Better in Your Soup?

Every African soup has its star player. Sometimes it’s the spice blend, sometimes it’s the palm oil but more often than not, it’s the protein inside the pot. And when it comes to flavor and tradition, two contenders always stir debate: Dry Stockfish and Fresh Catfish.

So which one truly makes the better soup? Let’s break it down.

Team Stockfish (Okporoko)

If you’ve ever opened a pot of egusi or ogbono soup and smelled that deep, earthy aroma, you already know what stockfish brings to the table.

• Flavor: Strong, smoky, and rich. Stockfish doesn’t just sit in your soup, it dominates it.
• Texture: Firm and chewy, it adds that “bite” Africans love.
• Best For: Egusi, Ogbono, Vegetable soup (Efo Riro).
  

For many, stockfish is a taste of home. You can smell it from the kitchen and instantly remember Sunday afternoons in Nigeria.

Shop dry stockfish at MamaJones.

Team Fresh Catfish

Now, catfish bring a different kind of magic. Fresh, tender, and naturally juicy, it transforms pepper soup and light soups into comfort food.

• Flavor: Mild but distinctive, catfish absorbs spices beautifully.
• Texture: Soft and delicate, practically melts in your mouth.
• Best For: Pepper soup, Light soup, Nsala (White Soup).
  

Catfish isn’t just food, it is an experience. One slurp of catfish pepper soup and suddenly, it feels like the rainy season back home.

Get fresh catfish delivered by MamaJones.

So, Which One Wins?

Honestly? It depends on the soup, your mood and what you prefer. Stockfish packs a punch, catfish keeps it tender. Some Africans won’t cook without stockfish, while others swear pepper soup is incomplete without catfish.

At the end of the day, both flavors tell the same story: African food is never boring.

Whether you’re Team Stockfish or Team Catfish, MamaJones has you covered. Stock up on authentic proteins and African spices that bring your soups to life and are delivered anywhere in the U.S.

 Keep shopping your African ingredients now at MamaJones African Marketing Here