Jamaican Brown Stew Fish
Jamaican Brown Stew Fish is a flavorful and comforting dish made with fresh snapper and savory spices. Seared and cooked down in a delicious sauce. Our easy recipe guides you through making this traditional meal. It’s perfect for any occasion. Follow easy steps to enjoy an authentic taste of Jamaican cuisine.”
What is Jamaican Brown Stew Fish?
Jamaican Brown Stew Fish is a traditional Caribbean dish. It uses fish, and snapper, marinated, fried, and then simmered in a rich sauce. Vegetables, spices, and a browning sauce make the sauce.
This method gives the fish a distinctive brown color and deep flavor.
How do you make the sauce for Jamaican Brown Stew Fish?
To make the sauce, sauté onions, garlic, scotch bonnet, bell peppers, thyme, and pimento berries in a little oil. You add ketchup, sugar, seasonings, mushroom soy sauce and browning sauce for richness and color.
Then, you add or water to make a thick, tasty gravy. The fish is then simmered in this sauce to absorb the flavors.
What kind of fish is best for Jamaican Brown Stew Fish?
Snapper is common. But, other firm, white fish like parrotfish, kingfish, or tilapia can also work well. The key is to use a fish that can hold up to frying and simmering without falling apart.
History of Brown Stew Fish
Brown Stew Fish is a dish with roots embedded in Jamaican culinary tradition. It reflects the island’s history.
They use fresh, local ingredients to make hearty, tasty meals. The dish combines African, Spanish, and Taino cooking methods. This mix gives it a unique and delicious flavor.
Fish has been a vital part of the Jamaican diet due to the island’s abundant coastal waters. Brown Stew Fish evolved as a way to prepare fish. It highlights its natural flavors.
It adds the bold spices and seasonings of Jamaican cuisine.
Is Brown Stew Fish Healthy
Brown stew fish can be healthy, especially if prepared with these considerations:
- Fish: Good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Cooking Method: Baking or sautéing the fish is healthier than frying.
- Ingredients: Use plenty of vegetables and limit added fats and sugars.
- Sauce: Keep it light on salt and sugar.
Jamaican Brown Stew Fish Ingredients
The magic of Brown Stew Fish lies in its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s rich and complex flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Fish: Snapper, parrotfish, or any firm white fish works well.
- Seasonings: Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, garlic, and ginger are essential.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, potatoes and carrots add depth and sweetness.
- Spices: Allspice (pimento), sugar, black pepper, and salt are key.
- Liquids: Mushroom Soy sauce, ketchup, browning sauce.
How to Make How to Make Jamaican Brown Stew Fish
Making Brown Stew Fish is an art. It combines marinating, frying, and simmering. The goal is to create a dish bursting with flavor.
- Soak fish in vinegar and lime juice to cut the rawness. Sook the fish for at least 10 minutes.
- Marinating the Fish: Start by cleaning the fish and making a few slashes on each side. Season it with a mixture of salt, black pepper, allspice, garlic, ginger, and thyme. Let it marinate for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish.
- Frying the Fish: Heat oil in a large skillet and fry the fish until golden brown on both sides. Season your oil. This step adds a delightful crispy texture to the fish, which will later absorb the flavors of the stew.
- Preparing the Stew: In the same skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, and vegetables. These are the bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes. Cook them until they’re soft. Add in the Scotch bonnet pepper (be cautious, as it’s very spicy), thyme, and a splash of soy sauce and browning sauce. These ingredients form the flavorful base of the stew.
- Return the fried fish to the skillet. Put it into the vegetables. Add a bit of water or coconut milk. Cover the skillet and let the fish simmer. Do so until it’s cooked and the flavors meld. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
What do you serve with Jamaican Brown Stew Fish?
Serves Brown Stew Fish with rice and peas. The peas are rice cooked with kidney beans and coconut milk. They complement the rich and savory stew. You can also enjoy it with steamed white rice, boiled dumplings, festivals, and fried dumplings. A side of fried plantains adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness of the dish.
Tips and Notes
- Handling Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Be careful. They are very spicy. You may want to wear gloves and avoid touching your face. Adjust the amount used according to your heat tolerance.
- Fish Selection: Use fresh, firm fish for the best results. If you can’t find snapper or parrotfish, any firm white fish will work.
- Make sure you get the oil nice and hot before you add the fish.
- Wash the fish and pat it dry, the fish will cook better if dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do you need to make Brown Stew Fish?
- The essential ingredients include:
- Whole fish (e.g., snapper)
- Salt, black pepper, and fish seasoning
- Bell peppers (red, green, orange), potatoes
- Onion, garlic, scallions, thyme
- Browning sauce, tomato paste, and pimento berries (allspice)
- Scotch bonnet pepper for heat
Can I make Brown Stew Fish less spicy?
Yes, you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper or omitting it. If you still want a little heat but not too much, use less of the Scotch bonnet or remove the seeds. They are the spiciest part.
How should we serve Jamaican Brown Stew Fish?
Rice and peas go with it. Kidney beans and coconut milk cook rice. But, it also pairs well with white rice, festival, fried plantains, or boiled dumplings. A side of sautéed cabbage or other vegetables complements the dish.
How do I thicken the gravy for brown stew fish?
Ketchup thickens the gravy. If the gravy is still too thin, you can let it simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can you prepare Brown Stew Fish ahead of time?
It’s best fresh to keep the crispy fish. But, you can make the sauce and chop the veggies ahead of time. You can marinate the fish in advance, but you should fry and simmer it before serving. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Can you freeze Brown Stew Fish?
Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to submerge the fish in the sauce to prevent it from drying out.
Can I use an air fryer to cook brown stew fish?
Yes, you can air fry the fish. Rub some oil and season the fish before placing it in the air fryer. Bake the fish at 400°F for 14-16 minutes or until it cooks through and becomes crispy.
But the Lord sits enthroned forever. He set up his throne for justice. He judges the world with righteousness and the people with uprightness. Psalm 9:7-8 ESV
Wisdom
Our Heavenly Father has established the throne of His Son Jesus Christ forever. He has put all things under His feet, and He will rule this world on His day.
Jesus Christ is coming back soon and He will judge us all, based on everything we have done in life, whether good or bad. He is giving us time and chances to repent. We can change before He arrives on earth.
He is long-suffering, and patient. Filled with grace and mercy. God is the way, the truth, and the life. No one will make it without Him. Repent and work works of righteousness in life.
Trust Jesus and he will save you on the day of judgment. God will welcome you into His kingdom with open arms, love Him, and keep His commandments.
Jamaican Brown Stew Fish
Ingredients
Clean Fish
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 lime ( the juice)
- Cold water
For the Fish
- 2 lbs fresh fish (snapper, parrotfish, or any firm white fish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp complete seasoning
- 2 tbsp adobo
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
Season Oil
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 5 pimento berries
- 2 springs thyme
- 1 whole garlic
For the Stew
- 1 large onion , sliced
- 1 bell pepper , sliced (any color)
- 1 large carrot , sliced
- 2 tomatoes , chopped
- 1 tsp pimento berries
- 1- inch piece of ginger , grated
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper , chopped (optional, adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 tbsp or complete seasoning
- 1 tbsp adobo
- 1 tbsp mushroom soy sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp browning sauce
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 Irish potatoes
- 2 green onions , chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Fish
- Clean the fish with vinegar and lime juice to cut the rawness. Sook the fish for at least 10 minutes.
- Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Make 2-3 slashes on each side of the fish to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
- In a bowl, mix complete seasoning, adobo, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the fish, ensuring it gets into the slashes. Let the fish marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Fry the Fish
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season your oil with scotch bonnet pepper, pimento berries, thyme, and garlic. Fry for 5 mins.
- Fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the fish from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Stew
- In the same skillet, remove any excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
- Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, and chopped tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, chopped Scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and thyme. Sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the soy and browning sauce, ensuring the vegetables are well coated.
- Pour in the water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add complete seasoning, adobo, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Cover the skillet. Let the fish simmer until the sauce thickens.
Stew the Fish
- Place the fried fish back into the skillet, nestling it into the vegetable mixture.
- Baste the fish with the stew liquid. And simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve
- Once you have cooked the fish through and the flavors have melded, take the skillet off the heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions
- Serves Brown Stew Fish with rice and peas. You can also enjoy it with steamed white rice, boiled dumplings, festivals, and fried dumplings. A side of fried plantains adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness of the dish.
Nutrition
Leave a Reply