Jamaican Salt Mackerel
Jamaican Salt Mackerel is salty, savory, spicy, and aromatic. This traditional and flavorful dish is a typical Jamaican breakfast. Salt Mackerel some call it “pick up mackerel is delicious and budget friendly. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this is a staple and comfort dish in the Caribbean.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salted mackerel
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
- 1 medium onion , finely chopped
- 1 medium tomatoes , diced
- 1 bell pepper , diced
- 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust according to spice preference), minced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (fresh or dried)
- 2-3 scallions , chopped
- 1/2- 1 cup of ketchup
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Water for boiling
Instructions
Soaking the Mackerel
- Rinse the salted mackerel under cold water to remove excess salt.
- Place the mackerel in a bowl and cover it with cold water.
- Let it soak for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. Change the water at least once during soaking to remove more salt.
Boiling the Mackerel
- After soaking, drain the mackerel and place it in a pot.
- Cover the mackerel with fresh water and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the fish is tender.
- Drain the mackerel again and let it cool slightly.
Preparing the Mackerel
- Once the mackerel is cooled, remove any skin and bones.
- Flake the mackerel into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Cooking the Salt Mackerel
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
- Add the flaked mackerel to the skillet and gently stir to combine with the vegetables and spices.
- Add ketchup then let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more black pepper or scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Jamaican salt mackerel is traditionally served with fried dumplings. It's also served with boiled green bananas, fried plantains, or rice and peas.
- Enjoy your salt mackerel hot and fresh, and savor the flavors of the Caribbean!
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 4gCalories: 1453kcalCarbohydrates: 127gProtein: 100gFat: 65gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 213mgSodium: 3677mgPotassium: 3718mgFiber: 9gSugar: 91gVitamin A: 7322IUVitamin C: 225mgCalcium: 251mgIron: 9mg
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