Bajan Fish Stew

Name: Bajan Fish Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Barbadian
Ingredients: 4 fish steaks (dolphinfish or kingfish); 2 tbsp Bajan seasoning; 1 onion, sliced; 2 tomatoes, diced; 1 tbsp browning sauce; 1 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 lime, juiced; Salt and pepper; 1 cup water

Stew Fish (stew FISH)

Brown Stewed Fish in Tomato Gravy

⏱ Prep Time 45 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 380 kcal

Fresh fish steaks seared then simmered in a rich brown gravy with tomatoes, onions, and Bajan seasoning until the sauce is thick and flavorful.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 34.0g

Carbs 16.0g

Fat 20.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish

Equipment Needed

large skillet sharp knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep plate

Garnishes: fresh thyme, lime wedge

Accompaniments: rice and peas, ground provisions

Ingredients

4 fish steaks (dolphinfish or kingfish)
2 tbsp Bajan seasoning
1 onion, sliced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 tbsp browning sauce
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper
1 cup water

Instructions

1
Season fish steaks with Bajan seasoning and lime juice. Let marinate for twenty minutes.
2
Heat oil in a large skillet. Sear fish on both sides until golden, about two minutes per side. Remove.
3
In the same pan, melt butter and saute onion until soft. Add tomatoes and browning sauce.
4
Add water, thyme, and whole Scotch bonnet. Simmer for ten minutes to make a thick gravy.
5
Return fish to the gravy and simmer gently for eight to ten minutes until cooked through.
6
Serve with the gravy spooned generously over the fish steaks.

💡

Did You Know?

Dolphinfish, known locally as dorado, is the most popular fish for stewing in Barbados and has no relation to dolphins.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large skillet
sharp knife

Garnishing

fresh thyme, lime wedge

Accompaniments

rice and peas, ground provisions

The Story Behind Bajan Fish Stew

Fish stew has been a cornerstone of Barbadian coastal cooking for centuries. Fishing communities along the west and south coasts developed this method of browning fresh-caught fish and simmering it in a seasoned tomato gravy. The dish showcases the Bajan approach to seafood: simple techniques that let the freshness of the fish shine while adding depth through browning sauce and local seasoning. It remains one of the most commonly ordered dishes at fish fry locations.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed weekday dinner 📜 Origins: Traditional Barbadian fishing communities

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!