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Caribbean Brown Stew Salmon

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This Brown Stew Salmon brings Caribbean flavors to a quick weeknight dinner. The recipe features salmon fillets that are seasoned, fried until golden, then simmered in a rich sauce made with bell peppers, onions, and scotch bonnet pepper. The sauce combines traditional Caribbean seasonings with hoisin and soy sauce for depth of flavor, while fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of crispy fish and flavorful sauce. The recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be adjusted for heat preference by modifying the amount of scotch bonnet pepper used.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:30:59 GMT
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A bowl of food with a fish and vegetables. pin it
A bowl of food with a fish and vegetables. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Transform ordinary salmon fillets into an extraordinary Caribbean feast with this rich, aromatic brown stew. Each tender piece of fish bathes in a perfectly balanced sauce that combines sweet, spicy, and savory notes into a harmonious blend of island flavors.

During a recent family dinner, this dish reminded my Caribbean guests of home cooking, yet offered a fresh twist with the salmon. The combination of aromatics and brown stew sauce created such an inviting atmosphere that everyone was eager to start dining.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh, bright pink fillets with firm flesh. Look for pieces of even thickness for consistent cooking. Wild-caught offers superior flavor but farm-raised works well too.
  • Bell Peppers: Select firm, brightly colored peppers without soft spots. Using multiple colors creates visual appeal and subtle flavor variations.
  • Fresh Aromatics: Fresh thyme, garlic cloves, and onions create the authentic Caribbean base. Choose firm, fragrant specimens.
  • Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Handle with care - this crucial ingredient provides both heat and distinctive fruity notes.
  • Seasonings: Quality soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar create the signature brown stew depth.

Creating Your Stew

Fresh Fish Preparation:
Begin by cleaning salmon thoroughly with lime juice and water. Pat completely dry before seasoning generously on all sides. This crucial step ensures proper flavor development.
Initial Browning:
Heat oil in a heavy skillet until shimmering. Carefully brown salmon until golden crust forms, about 5-7 minutes per side. The fish should release easily when properly browned.
Aromatic Base:
Sauté your vegetables until tender but not browned, allowing their flavors to meld together. The aromatics should become fragrant but maintain their texture.
Sauce Development:
Create your brown stew sauce gradually, allowing each addition to incorporate fully. The sauce should be rich and glossy, coating the back of a spoon.
A close-up of a delicious meal, featuring a piece of fish and a variety of vegetables, including carrots and peppers. pin it
A close-up of a delicious meal, featuring a piece of fish and a variety of vegetables, including carrots and peppers. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The secret to perfect brown stew lies in achieving the right sauce consistency while keeping the salmon tender and moist.

Perfect Timing

Monitor your salmon carefully - it should reach an internal temperature of 145°F while remaining moist. The sauce should reduce enough to coat the fish without becoming too thick. This typically takes just 2-3 minutes after returning the fish to the pan.

Serve With Style

Present your stew over traditional rice and peas, allowing the rich sauce to cascade over both fish and rice. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and extra bell peppers for color contrast.

Make It Your Own

Consider adding traditional Caribbean vegetables like callaloo or okra. Adjust the scotch bonnet pepper amount to match your heat preference. Each addition should complement the brown stew base without overwhelming the delicate salmon.

Storage Success

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, though the fish texture is best when fresh. Reheat gently to maintain the salmon's moisture.

Through countless preparations of this Caribbean classic, I've discovered that success lies in balancing the rich sauce with perfectly cooked fish. When done right, this dish brings the warmth and comfort of island cuisine right to your table.

Perfect Accompaniments

Traditional rice and peas, rich with coconut flavor and aromatic spices, serve as a hearty and comforting staple. Fresh Caribbean coleslaw adds a crisp, tangy contrast with its vibrant mix of vegetables. Fried plantains bring a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Steamed vegetables, lightly seasoned to enhance their natural flavors, provide a wholesome and refreshing balance to the meal.

A bowl of food with fish and vegetables. pin it
A bowl of food with fish and vegetables. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to transform simple salmon into a Caribbean feast while maintaining the fish's natural delicacy. Whether serving family or guests, this brown stew salmon creates an impressive presentation while remaining surprisingly simple to execute.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, other firm white fish like cod or snapper can be used, though cooking times may vary.
→ How can I adjust the spice level?
Leave the scotch bonnet pepper whole for mild heat, or slice it for more spice. You can also omit it entirely.
→ What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
Mix 1 teaspoon brown sugar with 1 teaspoon browning sauce as a substitute.
→ How do I know when to flip the fish?
Wait until the fish moves freely in the pan before flipping to ensure it stays intact.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with rice, plantains, or vegetables for a complete Caribbean meal.

Caribbean Brown Stew Salmon

Tender salmon fillets simmered in a rich Caribbean-style sauce with bell peppers, scotch bonnet, and aromatic spices for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Jamaican

Yield: 3 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Fish Seasoning

01 2 salmon fillets
02 ½ teaspoon salt
03 ½ teaspoon black pepper
04 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
05 ½ teaspoon seasoning salt or all purpose seasoning

→ Vegetables

06 ¼ red bell pepper, chopped or julienned
07 ¼ green bell pepper, chopped or julienned
08 ½ medium onion, chopped or julienned
09 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 2 sprigs fresh thyme, roughly chopped
11 ¼ scotch bonnet pepper
12 ½ small tomato, chopped or julienned

→ Sauce

13 ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
14 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
15 1 tablespoon soy sauce
16 2 teaspoons brown sugar
17 1 cup neutral cooking oil, for frying

Instructions

Step 01

Rinse salmon with lemon/lime and cold water, pat dry. Season both sides with salt, black pepper and seasoning salt.

Step 02

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry salmon 5-7 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove to wire rack to drain.

Step 03

Discard oil leaving 2 tablespoons. Sauté onion, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, thyme, and scotch bonnet over medium heat. Add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and broth.

Step 04

Return salmon to skillet, spoon sauce over fillets. Cover partially and cook 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat. Spoon reduced sauce over salmon again before serving.

Notes

  1. Can substitute hoisin sauce with brown sugar and browning
  2. Don't flip fish until it moves freely to keep it intact
  3. Leave scotch bonnet whole for mild heat, slice for more spice

Tools You'll Need

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Fish turner or flipper
  • Wire rack and sheet pan
  • Splatter screen

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish (salmon)
  • Contains soy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 229
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 24 g