Jamaican Steamed Fish with Okra and Vegetables
In short: Whole snapper steamed in a covered pan with okra, carrot, bell pepper, thyme, allspice and scotch bonnet in a light, peppery broth. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 270 kcal
Steamed fish is a favorite in Jamaican homes and seaside restaurants. A whole snapper is seasoned and laid on a bed of okra, carrot, onion and bell pepper, then cooked covered with a little water until the fish turns opaque and the vegetables give up their juices. Thyme, allspice and a whole scotch bonnet flavor the light broth. It is lighter than fried fish and is traditionally served with bammy, crackers or boiled green bananas to soak up the sauce.
Instructions
- Score each fish 3 times on both sides. Rub inside and out with half of the salt, the black pepper, allspice and lime juice. Let stand for 15 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a wide pan with a tight lid over medium heat. Cook the onion, scallions, garlic and carrots for 4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the okra, bell pepper, thyme and the remaining salt, then pour in the water and bring to a simmer.
- Lay the fish on top of the vegetables and tuck the whole scotch bonnet between them. Spoon some of the vegetables and liquid over the fish.
- Cover tightly and steam over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until the flesh turns opaque and flakes near the bone.
- Spoon the broth over the fish once more and cook uncovered for 2 minutes. Lift out the scotch bonnet and serve at once.
Tips
- Use a pan wide enough for both fish side by side. If yours is small, cut each fish in half crosswise, or use fillets and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add chunks of chayote (cho-cho) or pumpkin with the carrots for a more filling pot, and keep the pepper whole for aroma without too much heat.
Questions and answers
What fish is best for steamed fish?
Red snapper is the classic, but porgy, sea bream and any firm whole white fish of about 600 g (1.3 lb) will work. Fillets cook faster, in about 8 to 10 minutes.
What do you serve with Jamaican steamed fish?
Bammy is the traditional partner, along with water crackers, boiled green bananas or white rice. All of them soak up the peppery broth.
Is steamed fish spicy?
Mildly. The scotch bonnet goes in whole, so the broth smells fruity with only gentle warmth. Cut the pepper open and the heat rises quickly.
How long does it take to make Jamaican Steamed Fish with Okra and Vegetables?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Jamaican Steamed Fish with Okra and Vegetables?
About 270 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 10 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 270 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
