Difficulty: Medium | Yields: ~1½ cups
Smoky, spicy, and deeply umami—Shito Sauce is Ghana’s signature condiment made from slow-cooked hot peppers, dried fish, shrimp, and aromatic spices in oil. Used as a dip, marinade, or stir-in sauce, it’s the heart of many Ghanaian dishes and a powerful flavor booster for everything from rice and eggs to noodles and grilled meats. This jarred gem belongs in every adventurous pantry.
📜 What Is Shito?
“In Ghana, every kitchen has shito—and every bite needs it.”
The word shito means “pepper” in the Ga language, and the sauce lives up to its name. It’s made by blending fresh chilies with dried fish (like herrings or anchovies), smoked shrimp, onions, ginger, and oil, then slow-cooked into a thick, dark paste. Every family has their own version, from mild and savory to blazing hot.
Ingredients for Homemade Shito Sauce
☑️ 1 cup dried fish (herring or anchovies), crushed
☑️ ½ cup dried shrimp (ground or crushed)
☑️ 2 onions, finely chopped
☑️ 3 cloves garlic, minced
☑️ 1-inch ginger, grated
☑️ 1 cup oil (vegetable or palm oil)
☑️ 3–5 fresh red chilies (adjust to taste)
☑️ 2 tbsp tomato paste
☑️ Salt to taste
👩🍳 How to Make Shito Sauce
🔥 Step 1: Fry the Base
1️⃣ Heat oil in a deep pan. Add onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until golden and fragrant.
🌶️ Step 2: Add Chilies & Tomato
1️⃣ Blend the chilies with a splash of water into a paste.
2️⃣ Stir into the pan with tomato paste and cook down for 10 minutes.
🐟 Step 3: Add Dried Seafood
1️⃣ Add the crushed dried fish and shrimp. Stir frequently over low heat for 20–30 minutes until dark and oily.
2️⃣ Season to taste. Cool and store in a jar.
💖 Why You’ll Love Shito Sauce
☑️ A bold, umami-packed flavor enhancer
☑️ Long shelf life when stored properly
☑️ Versatile—use with rice, noodles, eggs, tofu, or meat
☑️ A deeply rooted taste of Ghanaian culinary culture
“Shito is more than a hot sauce—it’s a fiery declaration of flavor and identity.”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Truffle Honey Glazed Duck Breast You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
