Jamaican Brown Stew Fish Recipe – Authentic deep-fried fish cooked and smothered in flavorful brown sauce. A taste of the Caribbean indeed. Perfect pair with rice and peas. You will be getting the real island vibes.
Like I always said, anything fish, count me in. The islands have a great way to enjoy all the fish dishes, and once you try this recipe, it will be in your repertoire. It’s a versatile dish, indeed.
Traditionally, red snapper is used. But any whole fish will work. So, let me take your tastebuds to the rich Caribbean flavours.
INGREDIENTS USED AND RECIPE VARIATIONS
- Whole Red snapper: In this recipe, I used red snapper. Any meaty whole fish, like sea bream, parrot fish, and grouper, will work.
- Bell peppers: Any colour goes well with this recipe. Cut julienne.
- Onion and Green onion: For fragrance or flavour.
- Fish seasoning: I used the store-bought fish seasoning. Seasonings like sazon, creole or cajun will also do a great job.
- Browning sauce: This gives the stew a brown colour. If you don’t have this sauce, melt 1 tbsp of brown sugar in the same pot before sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Pimento berries(Allspice): Use the whole berries or ground allspice.
- Scotch bonnets: For a kick of heat
- Tomato paste: Acts as a thickener. You can also use fresh tomatoes, but the gravy won’t be thick. You can add cornstarch to thicken.
- Garlic: For deep flavours and taste.
- Fresh Thyme for flavour
- Broth and water: To make the gravy. You can use as much as you want but adjust the taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
How to make Brown Stew Fish:
Check the recipe card at the end of the post for detailed recipe
- Pat dry and score the fish. Season with salt, blackpepper and fish seasoning.
- Deep fry on medium heat until golden brown.
- Sauté the garlic, onion and pimento berries for about 30 seconds.
- Add the bell peppers, scotch bonnets, thyme, green onion, tomato paste, broth, browning, salt and pepper. Stir for about 3-4 minutes till the veggies begin to soften.
- Place the fish on the sauce and baste the fish with the gravy, and simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
- Serve with your favourite side.
What To Serve With Brown Stew Fish
This is usually served with Jamaican Rice and Peas, which is boiled rice in red kidney beans with coconut milk, pimento berries, salt and herbs.
You can serve with whatever side you like.
Jamaican Brown Stew Fish Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Whole red snapper Or any fish. Scaled and gutted
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Blackpepper
- ½ tbsp Fish seasoning Or sazon, creole or cajun seasoning.
For the Sauce
- 1 Red bell pepper
- 1 Green bell pepper any color works
- 4-5 Garlic cloves minced or sliced
- 1 Whole onion sliced
- 1 tsp Browning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 sprigs Thyme fresh
- 3 Green onion sliced
- 1 Scotch bonnets
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- 6-7 Pimento berries
- 1 cup Broth or water
- Cooking oil
Instructions
- Pat dry the fish with a paper towel perfectly.
- Using a sharp knife, score the fish by making deep diagonal slits on both sides.
- Season the fish generously with the salt, black pepper and fish seasoning. No need to let it marinate.
- Deep fry on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the fish and place it on an absorbent paper. Reduce the oil to about 4 tbsp.
- Sauté the garlic, onion and pimento berries for about 30 seconds.
- Add the bell peppers, scotch bonnets, thyme, green onion, tomato paste, broth, browning, salt and pepper. Stir for about 3-4 minutes till the veggies begin to soften.
- Place the fish on the sauce and baste the fish with the gravy.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
- Adjust the taste and serve right away.
