
Table of Contents
Introduction
The brown stew fish recipe is a beloved dish in Jamaican cuisine, known for its rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked fish. If you love Caribbean flavors, this dish is a must-try! This guide provides a step-by-step brown stew fish Jamaican recipe, including tips and tricks to make it as authentic as possible. Keep reading to learn how to cook this delicious dish and bring the taste of Jamaica to your kitchen!
What is Brown Stew Fish?
Brown stew fish is a traditional Jamaican dish made by frying fish until golden brown and then simmering it in a savory sauce of onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rich Caribbean spices. It is typically served with rice and peas, steamed vegetables, or boiled dumplings.
Key Features of Brown Stew Fish:
- Rich and savory sauce made with a blend of fresh vegetables and seasonings.
- Crispy, golden-brown fish that remains tender inside.
- Authentic Jamaican flavors with ingredients like Scotch bonnet peppers and thyme.
Benefits of Brown Stew Fish
- High in protein from the fresh fish.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and herbs.
- Versatile dish that pairs well with many side dishes.
- Easy to customize with different levels of spice and ingredients.

Ingredients for Brown Stew Fish Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Jamaican brown stew fish recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs snapper or any firm white fish (brown stew snapper is a popular choice)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
- 2 tbsp lime juice or vinegar (for cleaning the fish)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Stew:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp browning sauce
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 1/2 cups water or fish stock
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brown Stew Fish

Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Clean the fish with lime juice or vinegar and rinse with cold water.
- Pat dry and season with salt, black pepper, and all-purpose seasoning.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Fry the Fish
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the fish in the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Brown Stew Sauce
- In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tbsp.
- Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in thyme, paprika, tomato paste, and browning sauce.
- Pour in water or fish stock, then let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer the Fish in the Sauce
- Gently place the fried fish into the sauce.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, spooning sauce over the fish.
- Add the Scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat (optional).
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Tips for Making the Best Brown Stew Fish
- Use fresh fish for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the fish to keep it tender inside.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Scotch bonnet pepper.
- Serve with traditional sides like rice and peas, fried dumplings, or bammy.
Comparison: Brown Stew Fish vs. Escovitch Fish
Feature | Brown Stew Fish | Escovitch Fish |
---|---|---|
Cooking Method | Stewed | Pickled |
Sauce | Thick, rich sauce | Vinegar-based, tangy |
Spice Level | Mild to medium | Spicy |
Popular Side Dishes | Rice and peas, boiled dumplings | Festival, bammy |

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do you fry fish in oil?
You should fry the fish for 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat until golden brown.
Can you bake whiting fish?
Yes! Bake whiting fish at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
How long should you deep fry fish?
For deep frying, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until crispy.
How to bake whiting fish?
Season the fish, place it on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How to cook pink ling fish?
You can grill, pan-fry, or bake pink ling fish. For baking, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
Conclusion
The brown stew fish recipe is a true Jamaican classic that delivers bold, delicious flavors in every bite. By following this step-by-step guide, you can recreate this dish at home with ease. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turns out!
Brown Stew Fish Recipe: How to Make This Jamaican Classic
4
servings20
minutes40
minutes250-350
kcalLearn how to make an authentic Jamaican brown stew fish recipe with this step-by-step guide. Discover the best ingredients, cooking tips, and FAQs!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
2 lbs snapper or any firm white fish (brown stew snapper is a popular choice)
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
2 tbsp lime juice or vinegar (for cleaning the fish)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Stew:
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme leaves
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp browning sauce
1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat)
1 1/2 cups water or fish stock
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Clean the fish with lime juice or vinegar and rinse with cold water.
- Pat dry and season with salt, black pepper, and all-purpose seasoning.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 2: Fry the Fish
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the fish in the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Step 3: Make the Brown Stew Sauce
- In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tbsp.
- Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in thyme, paprika, tomato paste, and browning sauce.
- Pour in water or fish stock, then let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Simmer the Fish in the Sauce
- Gently place the fried fish into the sauce.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, spooning sauce over the fish.
- Add the Scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat (optional).
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Try this recipe today and let us know how it turns out!
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