How To Make Jamaican Brown Stew Fish?

Brown Stew Fish is a popular Jamaican dish that involves cooking fish in a flavorful brown sauce made with aromatic herbs and spices. Here’s a basic recipe for making Brown Stew Fish:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs whole fish (snapper or any white-fleshed fish), cleaned and scaled
• 1 lime or lemon, for cleaning and marinating the fish
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, for coating the fish
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Brown Stew Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (use a mix of colors for visual appeal)
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 cup fish or vegetable broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat)
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:
   • Clean and scale the fish. Cut slits on both sides to help the marinade penetrate. Squeeze lime or lemon juice over the fish, and season with salt and black pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes.
2. Coat and Fry the Fish:
   • In a shallow dish, coat the fish with flour, shaking off excess. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the fish until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Brown Stew Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Sauté the sliced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
4. Add Carrots and Tomatoes:
   • Add the julienned carrots and chopped tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. Combine Sauces and Seasonings:
   • Stir in ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, brown sugar, and Scotch bonnet pepper if using. Mix well to combine.
6. Pour in Broth:
   • Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Simmer and Add Fish:
   • Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Carefully place the fried fish into the sauce, spooning some of the sauce over the fish.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
9. Serve:
   • Garnish the Brown Stew Fish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley. Serve it hot over rice or with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your homemade Brown Stew Fish, a flavorful and comforting Jamaican dish!