Whole Crayfish | 2 oz per bagAt a glance
What it is: Dried, smoked small shrimp
Use per pot: 2-3 tbsp ground crayfish for a family pot of soup
Allergy: Shellfish + fish
Chicago: Pick up at 1651 E 87th St or ship in about 2 business days
Seasoning · Yado Market Guide
In West African kitchens, fish seasoning usually means the dried seafood that goes into the pot: ground crayfish, fish powder, shrimp powder, dried herring and seafood cubes. They give egusi, ogbono, okra, pepper soup and jollof that deep, smoky, savory taste. Here's what each one is, how much to use, and how to season the fish itself.
Quick answer: what is crayfish in Nigerian food?
It isn't the freshwater crawfish you see at a Louisiana boil. West African 'crayfish' is small shrimp that has been smoked or sun-dried1, then used whole or ground. A spoonful of ground crayfish is the base seasoning of most Nigerian soups. Allergy note: crayfish is shellfish, and fish powders are fish. Both are major food allergens.
Know your pantry
Types of West African Fish Seasoning
Walk into any African market and you'll find a whole shelf of dried seafood. They are not interchangeable: each one tastes different.
| Seasoning | What it is | Taste | Best in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole dried crayfish | Smoked or sun-dried small shrimp1 | Smoky, sweet-savory | Egusi, ogbono, okra, pepper soup, beans |
| Ground crayfish (crayfish seasoning) | The same crayfish, milled to a powder | Strong, quick to dissolve | Soups, jollof, stew, moi moi |
| Fish powder | Dried fish ground fine (Maesri is a Thai-style one) | Salty, ocean-savory | Soups, sauces, rice dishes |
| Shrimp powder | Dried shrimp ground fine | Sweet, briny | Stews, fried rice, noodles, pepper sauce |
| Ground herring (eja shawa) | Smoked herring, milled | Smoky and bold | Efo riro, egusi, ewedu, stew |
| Stockfish | Unsalted cod dried in the open air4 | Deep, funky umami | Egusi, ofe onugbu, banga, pepper soup |
| Seafood cubes | Bouillon cubes with shrimp or fish flavor | Salty, savory | Any pot that needs a quick boost |
Most cooks layer two or three: stockfish or smoked fish for body, ground crayfish for aroma, and a cube for salt.
Measures
How Much Crayfish and Fish Powder to Use
These are starting amounts for a family pot (about 6 servings). Taste and adjust; dried seafood is salty, so add salt last.
| Dish | Ground crayfish | Fish or shrimp powder | Cubes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egusi soup | 2-3 tbsp | 1 tsp (optional) | 1-2 |
| Ogbono / okra soup | 2-3 tbsp | 1 tsp | 1-2 |
| Pepper soup | 1-2 tbsp | - | 1 |
| Banga / palm nut soup | 2 tbsp | - | 1 |
| Jollof rice | 1 tbsp | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Nigerian red stew | 1 tbsp (optional) | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Beans / moi moi | 1-2 tbsp | - | 1 |
Add ground crayfish in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking so the aroma stays fresh. Whole crayfish can go in earlier; it softens in the soup.
Shop ground crayfish · $8.99Shop fish powder · $10.99Shop the shelf
Fish Seasoning & Crayfish We Sell
All in stock for pickup at our Chicago store (1651 E 87th St) or shipping across the U.S.
Want stock-pot flavor too? Add stockfish bits ($21.99), whole dried herring ($24.99), Onga shrimp cubes ($14.99 for 64) or Maggi shrimp cubes ($1.99). New to cubes? Read What Are Maggi Cubes?
5-minute tip
How to Grind Your Own Crayfish
- Pour the whole crayfish onto a tray and pick out any grit, small stones or hard bits.
- Optional: toast in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant. Don't let it burn.
- Let it cool, then pulse in a blender or spice grinder in short bursts until powdery.
- Store in an airtight jar. Freshly ground crayfish has the strongest smell, so grind small batches.
Whole crayfish keeps its aroma longer than pre-ground, which is why many cooks buy whole and grind as needed.
Shop whole dried crayfish · $7.99The other meaning
Seasoning for Fish: A West African-Style Fish Rub
If you searched 'fish seasoning' to season fish itself (tilapia, croaker, mackerel or catfish), here's the rub West African and Caribbean cooks use for grilled, fried or pepper-soup fish. Enough for about 2 lb of fish:
- 1 tsp fish seasoning powder (like Bara Musso) or 1 crushed seafood cube
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 3 crushed cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2-1 tsp ground hot pepper, or a few drops of scotch bonnet sauce
- 1 tsp ground crayfish (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 tbsp oil and the juice of 1 lemon or lime
Score the fish, rub the mix inside the cuts and the belly, and rest it 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) before grilling, baking or frying. For a fiery finish, add a few drops of scotch bonnet hot sauce.
Shop Bara Musso fish seasoning · from $1.49Shop pepper soup mix · $14.99Read this first
Allergy, Safety & Storage
No seafood? For a similar savory depth, many cooks use iru (fermented locust beans)5, mushroom powder or an extra chicken cube instead.
Storage: keep dried fish and crayfish in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, keep ground crayfish in the fridge or freezer so it stays fresh and smells strong. Throw out anything that smells sour or shows mold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is crayfish in Nigerian food?
Small shrimp that have been smoked or sun-dried1, used whole or ground as a base seasoning in soups, stews, rice and beans. It is not the same as Louisiana crawfish.
Is crayfish shellfish? Can I eat it with a shellfish allergy?
Yes, it's a crustacean shellfish, one of the major food allergens2. People with a shellfish allergy should not eat it or food cooked with it.
What is the difference between crayfish and shrimp powder?
Both come from small shrimp. West African crayfish is usually smoked, so it tastes smokier; shrimp powder is often just dried and tastes sweeter and brinier.
Can I use fish powder instead of crayfish?
Yes, in a pinch. Fish powder is saltier and less smoky, so start with about half the amount and add salt last.
How much crayfish goes in egusi soup?
About 2-3 tablespoons of ground crayfish for a family pot. See our egusi soup recipe.
What is fish seasoning made of?
Store-bought fish seasoning blends usually mix salt, garlic, onion, pepper and herbs; West African versions add dried fish or crayfish for savory depth. Check each label for the exact ingredients.
Where can I buy ground crayfish near me in Chicago?
At Yado Market, 1651 E 87th St, Chicago. Whole and ground crayfish, fish powder, shrimp powder and dried fish are in stock for pickup, with U.S. shipping in about 2 business days.
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Stock Your Soup Pantry
Crayfish, fish powder, dried fish and seafood cubes. Pick up in Chicago or get them shipped.