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jamaican brown stew fish

Jamaican Brown Stew Salmon Recipe

A rich and comforting Jamaican brown stew salmon recipe featuring lightly fried salmon simmered in a fragrant, savory tomato-based sauce with classic Caribbean herbs and spices.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Caribbean Classics, Comfort Food, Easy Caribbean Recipes, In Season, Main Dishes, Seafood & Fish, Sunday Dinners
Cuisine General Caribbean
Servings 5

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs salmon cut into 2–3 inch pieces
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Caribbean green seasoning
  • 3/4 tablespoon salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon fish seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 –3 tablespoons oil plus oil for frying
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
  • 1/2 medium carrot julienned
  • 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper thinly sliced
  • 5 pimento berries
  • 1 tablespoon ginger grated
  • 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Caribbean browning
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 scallions chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed, optional
  • 2 bay leaves optional
  • 1 –2 tablespoons soy sauce optional

Instructions
 

  • Cut the salmon into 2–3 inch pieces, being mindful of any small bones, then wash with lime juice and cool water. Drain well and place in a bowl.
  • Season the salmon with half of the salt, half of the black pepper, Caribbean green seasoning, and fish seasoning. Allow it to sit briefly so the flavors can settle into the fish.
    seasoned salmon for making jamaican brown stew
  • Lightly dust each piece of salmon in flour, shaking off any excess. Heat oil (about 2-3 cups veg oil) over medium heat and fry the pieces for 4–6 minutes until they turn a light golden color. The gentle sizzle will be melodious as the fish fries, so be sure to ventilate your kitchen as the aroma of fried fish fills the air and this scent can lingure.
    flour dusted salmon for frying to make brown stew
  • salmon frying for jamaican brown stew
  • Remove the salmon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue frying in batches if necessary.
    crispy fried salmon pieces for making Jamaican brown stew
  • In a deep saucepan, heat 2–3 tablespoons of the same oil used for frying as it contains a lot of flavour, over medium-low heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, carrot, pimento berries, ginger, and scotch bonnet. Cook gently until softened and fragrant, as the warm, comforting scent of the Caribbean fills your kitchen.
    seasoning for Jamaican brown stew salmon
  • Stir in the tomato ketchup and Caribbean browning until fully combined. Add the water and brown sugar, then bring to a gentle boil. Rinse the bowl used to season the fish with a bit of water and add it to the pot to capture any remaining seasoning. This is also when you'd add soy sauce and bay leaves if you dediced on using.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer for about 6 minutes, then add the remaining salt and black pepper as it deepens into a rich, classic brown stew sauce.
    add fried salmon to Jamaican brown stew sauce
  • Gently place the fried salmon pieces into the sauce, spooning the rich gravy over them. Let it simmer for another 4 minutes so the salmon absorbs the deep, savory flavors while staying tender.
    salmon in brown stew sauce
  • Taste and adjust salt as needed, then finish with chopped scallions for a fresh, bright finish.
    final seasoning of salmon in jamaican brown stew
  • Served with roasted breadfruit, refried cassava, coconut rice, or rice and peas, it's a delightful dish to serve this Good Friday, or anytime you feel like a warm, comforting Caribbean fish dish.
    brown stew salmon jamaican style

Video

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

 
What fish is traditionally used in Jamaican brown stew?
Traditionally, whole snappers such as lane snapper, yellowtail, or even spanner are used across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
Can I substitute salmon in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any firm fish, especially traditional Caribbean choices like snapper or kingfish.
Is Jamaican Brown Stew Salmon very spicy?
The heat level depends on the amount of scotch bonnet used. You can reduce or omit it for a milder version. Using Habanero pepper/s is also an option for a milder heat and more fruity flavour.
What does Caribbean browning add to the dish?
Caribbean browning gives the stew its signature deep color and a slightly bitter caramel note.
Can I skip frying the fish?
Frying helps the fish hold its shape and adds flavor, but you can skip it for a softer texture. I also recommend flour-dusting the seasoned fish before frying. The crust will help absorb the Jamaican brown stew sauce, and near the end, the flour will help thicken the gravy or sauce wonderfully. 
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