Jamaican Steamed Fish Recipe

steamed fish covered in vegetables on white platter plate

Jamaican Steamed Fish Recipe

This Steamed Fish Recipe is bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Made with whole fish and paired with a medley of vibrant vegetables, it’s served with a rich, flavorful broth that takes this dish to the next level.

Course entree

Cuisine Jamaican

Keyword steamed fish, steamed fish recipe

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 15

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 617kcal

Author Tanya Harris

Ingredients

2 whole snapper fish 1.5-2 pounds, cleaned and scored
1 lime juiced (for cleaning and seasoning the fish)
2 Tablespoons fish seasoning separated
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion sliced
1 carrot thinly sliced
1 bell pepper sliced
2 green onions (scallions) chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
2 slices scotch bonnet pepper optional, for heat
1 Roma tomato chopped
6-8 whole okra pods trimmed
1 cup vegetable stock
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Clean the fish with lime juice and water, then pat dry.
Season the fish (inside and out) with 1.5 Tablespoons fish seasoning. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, carrots, bell pepper, green onion, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes to release their flavors. Add the remaining fish seasoning to the vegetables and stir.
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the tomatoes, okra, thyme, and butter to the pan.
Place the seasoned fish on top of the vegetable mixture. Spoon some of the hot liquid over the fish to keep it moist.
Cover the pot tightly and steam over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes.
The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque, and the vegetables should be soft and tender.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Serve with rice and peas, steamed callaloo, or boiled dumplings. Spoon some of the broth and softened vegetables over the fish.

Video

Notes

You can replace whole fish with fish filets. For fish filets, reduce cooking time to 10-12 minutes for fillets.
Large fish will take longer to steam. Ensure the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition