RecipesJamaicaJamaican Steam Fish

Jamaican Steam Fish

A flavorful and healthy Jamaican dish where fish is gently steamed with aromatic vegetables and herbs, often served with bammy or rice.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Jamaican Steam Fish - Jamaica traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg Whole snapper or other firm white fish(cleaned and scaled)
  • 1 cup Okra(sliced)
  • 1 large Bell peppers (mixed colors)(sliced)
  • 1 medium Onion(sliced)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(whole or finely minced (adjust to spice preference))
  • 3 sprigs Thyme sprigs
  • 3 stalks Scallions(chopped)
  • 1 tsp All-purpose seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
  • 0.5 cup Water or fish stock
  • 2 tbsp Cooking oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Season the fish inside and out with salt, black pepper, and all-purpose seasoning. Make a few shallow slits on the sides of the fish.

  2. 2

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, and scotch bonnet pepper (whole or minced). Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

  4. 4

    Stir in the sliced okra, thyme sprigs, and chopped scallions. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Carefully place the seasoned fish on top of the vegetables in the pot. Pour in the water or fish stock.

  6. 6

    Cover the pot tightly and reduce the heat to low. Let the fish steam gently for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky. Avoid overcooking.

  7. 7

    Carefully remove the fish from the pot and serve immediately with the steamed vegetables and cooking liquid. Garnish with extra thyme or scallions if desired.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Ensure the scotch bonnet pepper is whole if you prefer less heat, and remove it before serving. Pierce it carefully if you want more heat infused.
  • Do not stir the fish too much once it's in the pot to prevent it from breaking apart.
  • Serve with boiled green bananas, dumplings, bammy, or rice and peas.

🔄 Variations

  • Add other vegetables like carrots or cho cho (chayote).
  • For a richer flavor, a small amount of coconut milk can be added to the steaming liquid.

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