Description
This bold and flavorful dish brings the heart of Jamaica to your kitchen! Crispy fried fish is simmered in a rich, savory brown stew packed with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Serve it with rice and plantains for the ultimate Caribbean feast!
Ingredients
– 2 whole fish (snapper or any firm fish), cleaned & scored
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp all-purpose or jerk seasoning
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 garlic cloves, divided
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
– 1 yellow onion, sliced
– 1 Roma tomato, chopped
– ½ cup carrots, julienned
– 2 scallions, sliced
– 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper, pierced (optional for spice)
– 1 tbsp ketchup
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp allspice (pimento seeds)
– ½ cup water
Instructions
1. First, season the fish with salt, pepper, and jerk seasoning. Set aside.
2. Next, heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 garlic cloves and 2 sprigs of thyme to infuse the oil. Fry the fish for about 5 minutes per side until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. After that, remove excess oil, leaving 2 tbsp in the pan. Add bell peppers, onion, tomato, carrots, scallions, the remaining thyme, and Scotch bonnet. Sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Then, finely chop the remaining garlic and add it to the pan, cooking for 30 seconds.
5. Next, stir in ketchup, soy sauce, allspice, and water. Bring to a simmer.
6. Finally, return the fish to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 2-5 minutes. Serve hot with rice and plantains!
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, marinate the fish for 30 minutes before cooking!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Quick & Easy