As the sun sets over the Caribbean, the aroma of spices and herbs wafts through the air, tantalizing taste buds. In Jamaica, seafood is a staple, and the island’s unique blend of African, European, and indigenous influences has given rise to a mouthwatering array of fish recipes that will leave you wanting more. From the spicy kick of escovitch sauce to the sweet and sour tang of mango salsa, Jamaican cuisine has perfected the art of balancing bold flavors with tender, flaky fish. In this article, we’ll dive into 21 mouthwatering Jamaican fish recipes that showcase the island’s creativity and passion for cooking.
Jamaican Escovitch Fish
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this classic Escovitch Fish recipe, a popular dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well, such as tilapia or mahi-mahi)
– 1/2 cup scotch bonnet peppers, chopped
– 1/4 cup onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, chopped scotch bonnet peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve the fish with the Escovitch sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jerk Fish with Mango Salsa
Experience the fusion of Caribbean and tropical flavors with this bold and refreshing recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (such as mahi-mahi or snapper), 1-2 inches thick
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mango Salsa ingredients:
+ 2 ripe mangos, diced
+ 1/2 red onion, diced
+ 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
+ 2 tablespoons lime juice
+ 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the fish fillets.
4. Place the fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, prepare Mango Salsa by combining all ingredients in a bowl and stirring to combine.
7. Serve the jerk fish with Mango Salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Curried Fish Jamaican Style
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this mouthwatering curried fish dish, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. This recipe combines the richness of curry powder with the freshness of herbs and spices to create a truly authentic Caribbean flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into chunks
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add fish, curry powder, ginger, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Steamed Fish with Okra
A flavorful and healthy dish that combines the tender flake of fish with the nutty taste of okra.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well)
– 1 cup fresh okra, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the steamer basket by filling a pot with 2 inches of water and bringing it to a boil.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped okra, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place fish fillets in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Top each fish fillet with the okra mixture, dividing it evenly among the four pieces.
5. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the okra.
6. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Jamaican Fish Tea
Get ready to warm up with a traditional Jamaican staple – Fish Tea! This comforting broth is made with flaky fish, aromatic spices, and soothing vegetables, perfect for a chilly day or when you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into chunks
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (optional)
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups of water
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the fish, onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers (if using), carrots, and celery.
2. Pour in the water, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
3. Strain the broth with a slotted spoon to remove the solids.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fried Fish with Festival
Savor the flavors of a classic Southern-style fish fry with this easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of firm white fish (such as catfish or cod), cut into nuggets
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each piece of fish into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry fish pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Fish Escabeche Jamaican Style
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Jamaica with the freshness of fish, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tangy escabeche sauce and tender fish, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish (such as snapper or tilapia), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine fish pieces, lime juice, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Remove fish from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Snapper with Scotch Bonnet Sauce
Savor the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this mouthwatering combination of grilled snapper and spicy scotch bonnet sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 snapper fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper, and parsley.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the snapper fillets.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
5. Grill the snapper for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with additional scotch bonnet sauce (see below).
Scotch Bonnet Sauce:
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Jamaican Fish Patties
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with these crispy fish patties, a popular street food in the Caribbean. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they’re sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or tilapia fish, flaked
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons scotch bonnet peppers (optional)
– Pastry dough for wrapping (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix fish, onion, garlic, curry powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Divide the mixture into small portions, about 1/4 cup each.
4. Shape each portion into a ball and flatten slightly.
5. Wrap each ball in pastry dough, sealing edges with a fork or your fingers.
6. Brush tops with vegetable oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Brown Stew Fish
A classic Caribbean dish, Brown Stew Fish is a flavorful and aromatic stew that pairs perfectly with rice or roti. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of fish (tilapia, snapper, or cod work well)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions:
1. Season the fish with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper, and ginger. Cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the tomato paste and water. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the fish and brown sugar. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and stir in soy sauce.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fish and Bammy
Fish and Bammy is a traditional Jamaican dish that combines tender fish with crispy fried flatbread, served with a side of spicy pepper sauce. This recipe yields a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into small pieces
– 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced into rounds
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Bammy flatbread (homemade or store-bought)
– Spicy pepper sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the fish pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they’re opaque and flake easily with a fork.
3. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the plantain slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve the fish and plantains together with bammy flatbread and spicy pepper sauce (if using).
6. Cooking time: approximately 15-20 minutes.
Jamaican Fish Soup
Warm up with a flavorful and comforting bowl of Jamaican Fish Soup! This classic Caribbean dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason – the combination of tender fish, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk is irresistible.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– 1 teaspoon ground thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups fish broth
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add fish and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in fish broth and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 10-12 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or cilantro.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Spicy Fish Rundown
Experience the bold flavors of Trinidadian cuisine with this spicy fish rundown recipe, a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with the spiciness of Scotch bonnet peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish (such as tilapia or cod), cut into small pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and Scotch bonnet peppers; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the fish pieces and cook until they start to flake apart, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the curry powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Enjoy your Spicy Fish Rundown!
Jamaican Fish and Callaloo
A classic Jamaican dish that combines the flavors of pan-seared fish with the savory goodness of callaloo (amaranth leaves) and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of firm white fish (such as tilapia or snapper), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups callaloo, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the fish and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the callaloo and curry powder to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the greens are wilted.
5. Return the fish to the skillet and stir to combine with the callaloo mixture.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Jamaican Fish
Experience the Caribbean’s warm hospitality on your plate with this aromatic and mouthwatering Garlic Butter Jamaican Fish recipe. Pan-seared fish fillets smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, infused with the sweetness of Caribbean spices, will transport you to the island vibes.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (snapper or tilapia work well)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon Caribbean jerk seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic, olive oil, ginger, and jerk seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
4. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper.
5. Pan-sear fish in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve fish with garlic butter sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes
Jamaican Fish Curry with Coconut Milk
This recipe brings together the rich flavors of Jamaica and the creamy texture of coconut milk to create a mouthwatering fish curry. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish fillets (such as tilapia or snapper), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 can coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using); cook until onions are translucent.
3. Add fish, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper; stir to combine.
4. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and let curry cook for 10-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Fish Jamaican Style
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this sweet and sour fish recipe, perfect for a delicious dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and lime juice.
2. Add the fish pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the fish from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Fry the fish in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
6. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and chopped Scotch bonnet pepper (if using).
7. Serve the fried fish hot with the sweet and sour sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jamaican Fish Fritters
These bite-sized fritters are a popular street food in Jamaica, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. The combination of flaky fish, crunchy batter, and tangy seasoning will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or tilapia fillets, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together fish pieces, flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Dip each piece into the mixture, coating evenly.
3. Dip coated fish into panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil.
7. Serve hot with lime wedges and scotch bonnet peppers (if using). Cooking time: approximately 10-12 minutes.
Grilled Lobster Jamaican Style
Escape to the islands with this mouthwatering grilled lobster recipe infused with the bold flavors of Jamaica! Succulent lobster, marinated in a zesty mixture of jerk seasoning, scotch bonnet peppers, and citrus, is then grilled to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 lobsters (depending on size)
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and chopped
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, olive oil, Scotch bonnet peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add lobsters to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove lobsters from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place lobsters on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Fish with Ackee and Saltfish
A flavorful and hearty dish that combines the sweetness of ackee with the savory taste of salted cod and fish, all wrapped up in a rich coconut milk sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish (such as tilapia or mahi-mahi), cut into chunks
– 1 cup ackee fruit, rinsed and drained
– 1/2 cup saltfish (salted cod), soaked overnight and flaked
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– 1 can coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the fish, ackee, saltfish, onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jamaican Fish Stew with Dumplings
Experience the rich flavors of Jamaica with this classic fish stew, elevated by tender dumplings and a hint of spice. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using); cook until softened.
3. Add fish, curry powder, salt, and black pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, mix together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water to form a dough.
6. Shape into small dumplings and cook in the stew for the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Conclusion
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these 21 spicy Jamaican fish recipes! From classic dishes like Escovitch Fish and Jerk Fish with Mango Salsa, to unique creations like Steamed Fish with Okra and Spicy Fish Rundown, there’s something for every seafood lover. Discover the bold flavors of Jamaica through recipes that combine fresh catches with aromatic spices and herbs. Whether you’re a fan of grilled, fried, or steamed fish, this collection has it all. Let your senses transport you to the island vibes of Jamaica with these mouthwatering fish dishes!
