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Brown Stew Fish - recipe card

Jamaican Brown Stew Fish

Jamaican Brown Stew Fish is a must-try authentic Caribbean recipe. Snapper fish seasoned, fried until golden brown, then simmered in a brown savory sauce. Perfect for two or the whole family!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 lbs snapper fish whole or cut into steaks
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 tsp fish seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
Sauce:
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 stalks escallion chopped
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper sliced and seeds removed
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 1 large carrot sliced or julienne
  • 2-3 okra sliced
  • 1 tsp browning sauce
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp fish tea mix optional
  • ½ cup water

Method
 

Frying The Fish
  1. Remove any scales, gills, and guts from fish. I did use fish steaks for this recipe but feel free to use a whole fish.
  2. Wash fish in vinegar, lime juice, and water. Pat dry and set aside.
  3. Season each piece with salt, fish seasoning, and all-purpose. Be sure to coat each piece for maximum flavor.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each piece of fish until slightly golden brown or for a crust-like texture.
  5. Remove from pan to drain excess oil on a paper towel.
Sauce:
  1. In another pan, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic for 1 minute.
  2. Reduce heat, then add carrot, okra, scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and escallion. Toss, add ketchup, browning, fish tea mix, and water. Allow to simmer for 5-7 minutes or until sauce slightly thickens.
  3. Adjust to taste, then add each piece of fish to the sauce. Turn fish after 5 minutes to coat evenly in the sauce - spoon sauce over the fish.
  4. Remove from heat and serve.

Notes

Notes For Making Jamaican Brown Stew Fish 

  • Check out the steps to making this recipe without frying the fish.
  • Add sliced bell peppers to your stew fish for more color and flavor to your dish. 
  • Strain the fish tea mix to remove the noodles, and only use the powdered seasoning.