How to Prepare Attiéké and Grilled Fish: A Classic Ivorian Street Food Combo

Attiéké and grilled fish is a much-loved classic street food combo from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Attiéké, a fermented cassava couscous, pairs perfectly with the smoky, flavorful grilled fish, creating a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with authentic West African zest.

If you want to bring this iconic Ivorian meal to your kitchen, this guide will take you through each step—from preparing the fluffy, tangy attiéké to grilling juicy, seasoned fish to perfection.

What Is Attiéké?

Attiéké is made from fermented cassava that has been grated and steamed into small, couscous-like granules. It has a light, slightly sour taste and a fluffy texture that makes it a perfect base for grilled meats and fish. Rich in carbohydrates and gluten-free, attiéké is a staple in Ivorian cuisine and a favorite in markets and street food stalls.

Image from: Beck's Flavour

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Attiéké:

• Packaged attiéké (available fresh or pre-steamed/frozen in African markets)
• Water
• Salt
• Optional: finely chopped onions, tomatoes, or chili for garnish

Image from: Wikipedia

For Grilled Fish:

• Whole fish (tilapia, snapper, or croaker are traditional choices)
• Fresh lemon or lime juice
• Seasoning spices: garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt
• Vegetable oil or palm oil for basting
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish

Image from: Ginger & Sea Salt

Step 1: Preparing the Attiéké

If you have pre-steamed attiéké:

1. Place the attiéké in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle with a little water and salt to moisten it slightly.
3. Cover and let it steam for 5–10 minutes (you can microwave using a damp paper towel cover).
4. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains before serving.

If you have dried attiéké:

1. Soak in cold water for about 10 minutes.
2. Drain and steam or microwave moistening as above.

Step 2: Seasoning Your Fish

1. Clean and gut your fish if needed.
2. Make shallow cuts across the fish to help it absorb flavors.
3. Rub the fish with lemon/lime juice, salt, and spice mixture (garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, black pepper).
4. Let the fish marinate for 30–60 minutes in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Grilling the Fish

• Preheat your grill or grill pan.
• Lightly brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
• Grill the fish over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, depending on size, turning carefully once.
• Baste occasionally with oil or leftover marinade to keep it moist.
• Fish is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and has a smoky char.

Step 4: Serving Attiéké and Grilled Fish

• Plate a generous mound of fluffy attiéké.
• Place the grilled fish alongside, garnished with fresh herbs and slices of lemon or lime.
• Add a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables with sliced onions and tomatoes for a complete meal.

Image from: Youtube

Why This Combo Works

Attiéké’s slight tang and light texture balance beautifully against the robust, smoky flavor of grilled fish. The dish is satisfying without feeling heavy—a harmony of flavors and textures that has made it a beloved Ivorian street food classic.

Get Authentic Ingredients at LaFrique Market

Looking to make this delicious combo at home? LaFrique Market offers fresh, authentic attiéké alongside quality whole fish and spices to bring Ivorian street food to your table. Shop today and experience the true taste of West Africa!