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Steamed Fish - recipe card

Jamaican Steamed Fish

Try this delicious Jamaican Steamed Fish made with red snapper fish, freshly chopped okra, carrots, and bell peppers simmered in a flavorful and aromatic fish broth. It’s super easy to make and one of the Caribbean’s favorite fish recipes.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 lb red snapper cut into steaks
  • 2 tsp fish seasoning
  • 2 tsp all-purpose seasoning
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 3 sprigs thyme stems removed
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large carrot sliced
  • 1 large bell pepper green or red, julienne
  • 3 okra chopped
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper seeds removed
  • 1 tsp ketchup or tomato paste optional
  • ⅓ cup fish stock or water
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Method
 

  1. Remove scales, gills, and fins from fish. Wash with lime, vinegar, and water, then set aside.
  2. Cut fish into steaks, or if you prefer, you can leave the fish whole. If cooking a whole fish, create small slices on each side of the fish.
  3. Pat dry fish, then rub dry seasoning on fish. Be sure to get into the slices of the whole fish. Allow to marinate for 20 minutes or cook immediately.
  4. Heal oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, then saute for 1 minute.
  5. Stir in the remaining vegetables. Allow vegetables to sweat for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add water and ketchup to the veggies and simmer for 5 minutes. Place fish over vegetables and cover for 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add water to the container to remove any leftover seasoning. Pour into the pot. Flip the fish halfway through to cook evenly on both sides.
  8. Adjust taste if needed and remove from heat.
  9. Serve as desired.

Notes

Notes For Cooking Steamed Fish 

  • Because fish does not require a long cooking time, it is easy to spot when it's fully cooked. The flesh will turn pink to white to indicate it's thoroughly cooked.
  • Using fish stock can give this recipe more flavor, but if you don't have any on hand, substitute it for water. 
  • In Jamaica, we often enjoy our fish whole. You can do the same or cut the fish into steaks. Feel free to check your local market for fresh fish and to have it cleaned and cut in advance. 
  • Ketchup is optional in this recipe, but you can use it to give color and flavor to your steamed fish.