Craving something spicy, smoky, and absolutely delicious? Well, Asun is here to satisfy that craving!
This Nigerian dish isn’t your regular barbecue. It’s tender goat meat, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in a fiery pepper sauce that’ll make your taste buds come alive.
Perfect for any party, it’s sure to steal the show.
With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you will be serving up restaurant-quality Asun in no time.
Ready to start cooking? Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Process to Prepare Asun
First, we will prepare the goat meat. Getting the goat meat ready is the first step in making Asun taste great. This step is simple, but it makes a big difference.
Goat Meat Preparation: From Raw to Ready
Clean, well-seasoned meat gives you the best Asun—tender, tasty, and full of flavor. Here’s how to prep your goat meat properly:
- Clean Thoroughly: Rinse with water, then wash again with lemon or lime juice to freshen and clean
- Cut Into Small Pieces: Make even, bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and better flavor absorption
- Reduce Gamey Smell: Soak in lemon water for 10-15 minutes or parboil for 5 minutes and rinse
- Season Generously: Use salt, seasoning cubes, and optional garlic, ginger, onions, and pepper
- Marinate Patiently: Let it sit for 30 minutes minimum, or chill 1-2 hours for deeper flavor
Take your time with these prep steps: properly prepared meat makes all the difference in creating authentic, delicious Asun!
Ingredients Required for Preparation
To prepare a delicious dish of Asun, you will need a combination of fresh ingredients to bring out the rich flavors.
Here is a list of the key ingredients required for both the tender goat meat and the flavorful Asun sauce:
For the Goat Meat
- 2 pounds (about 1 kg) of goat meat (with skin, cut into chunks)
- 1 medium red onion (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 seasoning cubes or 2 teaspoons seasoning powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder (optional)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
For the Pepper Mix (Asun Sauce)
- 4–5 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 red bell pepper (for color and flavor)
- 1 small red onion (roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 seasoning cube (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for more smokiness)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- ¾ cup thick coconut cream (for Coconut Cream Asun only)
Method 1: Classic Oven-Grilled Asun
If you have ever wanted spicy goat meat that’s juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor, this is the one to make.
It brings the taste of a Nigerian party right into your kitchen, no grill needed, just your oven and a craving for bold, peppery goodness.
How to Make It
- Step 1: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and let it heat up. Place the seasoned goat meat on a tray or wire rack. Keep the pieces spaced out.
- Step 2: Roast for 20–25 minutes, flip, then roast the other side for another 20 minutes until browned and crisp.
- Step 3: Blend scotch bonnet peppers and onions. Fry in oil, add salt and seasoning cubes, and cook until thick.
- Step 4: Toss the roasted meat into the sauce and stir well to coat. Let it cook on low heat for 5–7 minutes so the flavor soaks in.
- Step 5: Enjoy it on its own or with rice, yam, or fried plantains.
Method 2: Peppered Goat Meat
This version is perfect if you enjoy flavorful meat but don’t want too much heat. Bell peppers add color, sweetness, and a milder taste, making them great for kids or anyone who prefers less spice.
How to Make It
- Step 1: Use pre-seasoned and marinated goat meat. Roast in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
- Step 2: Cut red, yellow, or green bell peppers into thin strips. Slice one red onion as well.
- Step 3: Heat a little vegetable oil in a pan. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook on medium heat for about 5–6 minutes until they soften but stay a bit crisp.
- Step 4: If you want just a little spice, blend 1 or 2 mild peppers with a small onion. Add this to the pan and cook for another 4–5 minutes.
- Step 5: Once the pepper mix is ready, add the grilled goat meat. Stir well so the meat soaks in the flavor. Cook everything together on low heat for 5–7 minutes. This step brings all the flavors together.
Serve it hot with rice, fried plantains, or eat as a snack.
Method 3: Coconut Cream Asun
Coconut cream brings a soft, rich twist to traditional Asun. The coconut oil and cream add a smooth texture and sweet flavor that balances the heat.
It’s a great choice if you want something bold but also creamy and comforting.
How to Make It
- Step 1: Turn on your oven and set it to 200°C (400°F). Let it heat while you get the meat ready.
- Step 2: Place your seasoned goat meat on a tray. Roast for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through to cook both sides evenly.
- Step 3: Blend scotch bonnet peppers, red bell pepper (for color), and onions until smooth. You can also add a little garlic and ginger if you like.
- Step 4: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat. This gives the dish its sweet aroma and base flavor. Pour in the blended pepper mix. Add salt and seasoning cubes. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
- Step 5: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of thick coconut cream. Mix well and let it cook for another 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the roasted goat meat to the sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavor spreads through.
Your Coconut Cream Asun is ready. Serve with rice, boiled yam, or enjoy on its own.
Method 4: Stovetop Braised Asun
No oven? No problem. This version brings you soft, juicy goat meat cooked right on the stove.
With slow heat and a quick pan-fry, you get rich flavor, tender bites, and that spicy pepper kick—all in one pan.
How to Make It
- Step 1: Add salt, seasoning cubes, and a little garlic and ginger if you like. Mix well and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Place the meat in a pot and add just enough water to cover it. Cook on low heat for 40–45 minutes until the meat is tender and the water dries up.
- Step 3: Once the water is gone, add a bit of oil to the same pot or transfer to a pan. Fry the meat lightly on medium heat for 5–8 minutes until it browns slightly.
- Step 4: Blend scotch bonnet peppers, onions, and a small bell pepper (optional). Heat a little oil in another pan and cook the blended mix with salt and seasoning cubes for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the fried goat meat to the pepper sauce. Stir and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat so the flavor spreads through.
Serve your stovetop Asun with rice, fried plantains, or enjoy it plain.
Method 5: Air-Fryer Asun
Want something quick, tasty, and less oily? This air-fryer version keeps the meat juicy and crisp without deep frying.
It’s light, full of flavor, and perfect when you want a fast and cleaner way to enjoy Asun.
How to Make It
- Step 1: Use clean, cut goat meat. Add salt, seasoning cubes, garlic, ginger, and a little pepper. Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Set the air fryer to 180°C (about 360°F). Let it warm up while the meat finishes marinating.
- Step 3: Place the marinated goat pieces in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. Check that the meat is cooked and has a slight crisp on the edges.
- Step 4: Blend scotch bonnet peppers and onions. Fry the mix in a little oil for 7–10 minutes. Add seasoning to taste.
- Step 5: Add the air-fried meat to the pepper sauce. Stir and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes so everything blends nicely.
Serve hot with fried plantains, rice, or as a snack.
How to Prepare Perfect Asun?
Want to take your Asun from good to absolutely incredible? These expert tips will help you nail the authentic flavors and textures every time:
- Use Goat Meat with Skin: Essential for authentic texture and rich flavor
- Adjust Scotch Bonnet Peppers: Control the heat level to match your tolerance
- Grill Over Charcoal: Adds that traditional smoky flavor that makes all the difference
- Marinate Longer: Extended marinating time equals deeper, more complex flavors
- Don’t Rush the Process: Low and slow cooking ensures tender, perfectly seasoned meat
Conclusion
Asun is way more than just a dish; it’s your ticket to bringing everyone together over seriously delicious, spicy meat that hits different every single time.
You can whip this up at home with just a few fresh ingredients and some simple steps.
So what are you waiting for? Pick your favorite method and get cooking.