Bahamian Boil Fish (Fish Simmered in Lime Broth)
Local name: Boil fish
In short: Bahamian boil fish: grouper or snapper steaks simmered with potatoes, onion and celery in a light broth, brightened with lime juice. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 345 kcal
Boil fish is a Bahamian classic, served as a filling breakfast but just as welcome at lunch. Fish steaks, potatoes, onion and celery simmer in a light broth, and lime juice goes in at the end for sharpness and fragrance. It is eaten with johnny cake for mopping up the broth. The dish is simple, so the quality of the fish matters: grouper and snapper are traditional.
Instructions
- Put the potatoes, onions, celery, bell pepper, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, hot pepper, water and salt in a wide pot. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are nearly tender.
- Lay the fish steaks in the broth in a single layer. Simmer gently, without boiling hard, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily (63°C / 145°F).
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lime juice and black pepper, handling the fish gently so it stays in pieces.
- Remove the hot pepper, thyme stems and bay leaves. Taste the broth and add salt or lime if needed.
- Ladle into bowls with a fish steak, potatoes and plenty of broth. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with johnny cake.
Tips
- Add the lime juice after the heat is off. Cooking it removes its freshness and can turn the broth bitter.
- Use thick, firm fillets if you cannot find steaks. Cut them into large pieces and shorten the simmer to 6 or 7 minutes.
Questions and answers
What fish is used for boil fish?
Grouper and snapper are traditional, but any firm white fish works, such as cod, mahi-mahi or sea bass. Steaks with the bone give the broth more flavor.
Is boil fish spicy?
Only lightly if the hot pepper stays whole. For more heat, slit the pepper once or serve extra hot sauce at the table.
What is boil fish served with?
Johnny cake, grits or plain bread for dipping. It is a typical weekend breakfast in the Bahamas.
How long does it take to make Bahamian Boil Fish (Fish Simmered in Lime Broth)?
About 50 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bahamian Boil Fish (Fish Simmered in Lime Broth)?
About 345 kcal per serving, with 46 g of protein, 35 g of carbohydrates and 2 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 345 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 46 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
