Chef Amaka’s Ugba Sauce is a Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Heritage Dish. If you’re looking for a uniquely Nigerian sauce packed with bold flavors, look no further than this Ugba Sauce Recipe from our amazing Chef Amaka. Ugba, also known as fermented African oil bean, is a delicacy loved by the Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria. Combined with bold spices and natural ingredients, this sauce is perfect with yam, rice, plantain, or even eaten as a standalone dish.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious sauce from the kitchen of Chef Amaka, a name known for traditional meals with a modern twist. Irresistible Ugba Sauce Recipe from Chef Amaka: A Flavorful Nigerian Delicacy.
What is Ugba?
Ugba (fermented oil bean slices) is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s not only flavorful but also a probiotic, which helps with digestion. This makes it a great base for sauces, salads, or side dishes.
Ingredients for Ugba Sauce Recipe (Chef Amaka’s Version)
- 2 cups Ugba (fermented oil bean slices)
- 2 tablespoons palm oil
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3-5 scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo), chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground crayfish
- 1 seasoning cube
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon uziza leaves or scent leaves, shredded (optional)
- Smoked fish or stockfish (optional for protein boost)
Note this, you can get your ingredients easily on SundryAgro fresh, fast, and affordable.
How to Make Ugba Sauce

Step 1: Rinse the Ugba
Place the Ugba in a bowl and rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any dirt or excess fermentation smell.
Step 2: Heat Palm Oil
In a clean pan, heat the palm oil on low heat. You don’t want it to bleach, just warm enough to release its natural flavor.
Step 3: Add Onions and Pepper
Toss in the sliced onions and chopped scotch bonnet. Sauté until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Protein (Optional)
If you’re using smoked fish or stockfish, now add it now and stir-fry for another 2 minutes to infuse flavor.
Step 5: Season
Add crayfish, seasoning cube, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
Step 6: Mix in the Ugba
Pour in your rinsed Ugba and stir gently until everything is well coated in the oil and pepper mixture. Let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes on low heat.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Add uziza leaves or scent leaves for extra aroma and health benefits. Stir once more and take off the heat.
What to Eat with Ugba Sauce
- Boiled yam or plantain
- White rice
- Eba, pounded yam, or any swallow
- As a side dish with grilled fish or chicken
Why You Should Try Ugba Sauce
- Rich in flavor and nutrition
- Affordable and easy to prepare
- A traditional Nigerian recipe with a modern spin
- It’s a gut-friendly probiotic dish
- Perfect for family meals, events, or solo enjoyment
- This Ugba Sauce recipe
What Ugba Sauce Can Be Used For.
Ugba Sauce is one of those versatile Nigerian delicacies that fit into many occasions. In Igbo homes, it’s often served during gatherings, family bonding, and traditional ceremonies. It can stand alone as a sauce, pair beautifully with staple foods like yam, rice, or plantain, and even be used as a side dish with grilled meats or fish. For those who love light evening meals, Ugba Sauce recipe works perfectly with vegetables or as a topping for salads, giving you both taste and nourishment.
Health and Nutritional Benefits of Ugba
Beyond its bold flavors, Ugba is a true nutritional powerhouse:
- Rich in Protein: Ugba sauce recipe is made from African oil bean seeds, which are naturally high in plant protein. This supports muscle building and repair.
- High in Fiber: The fibrous texture of Ugba helps digestion, keeps you full longer, and supports healthy bowel movement.
- Probiotic Benefits: Because Ugba is fermented, it contains beneficial bacteria that promote gut health, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
- Essential Minerals: Ugba provides calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium, which support strong bones, improved blood circulation, and overall wellness.
- Heart-Friendly: When prepared with palm oil in moderation, Ugba Sauce supplies healthy fats and antioxidants like Vitamin E, which protect the heart.
- Weight Management: The combination of fiber and protein keeps you satisfied, making it a great option for people watching their weight.
Why Ugba Sauce Recipe Stands Out
What makes Ugba Sauce recipe truly special is that it connects culture, nutrition, and flavor in one dish. It’s not just food, it’s heritage. Every bite reminds you of the richness of Nigerian tradition while giving your body nutrients it needs.
Final Tips from Chef Amaka
To get this Use freshly fermented Ugba for the best results. Don’t overcook it, so you keep the crunchy texture and probiotic benefits.
Get Fresh Ingredients from SundryAgro
Whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, or anywhere in Nigeria, you can get fresh Ugba, palm oil, and all your local ingredients delivered to your door with SundryAgro. Save time, shop smart, and cook like a pro.
Ready to try this Ugba Sauce Recipe? www.sundry.com
Tag us @SundryAgro or Chef Amaka on Instagram when you do and don’t forget to leave a comment below with your feedback.