Steam fish
Steamed fish and crackers is a traditional Jamaican one-pot meal mostly prepared on weekends. Steamed fish is a real classic and favourite among almost all Jamaicans. This dish is tasty with a hint of spice and goes perfectly with fried bammy.You can add a variety of vegetables to it depending on what you have on hand. It’s perfect for any night of the week, even for lunch.
Steamed fish is very popular in Jamaica. They looove it! And female tend to serve this dish to our male partners to “strong up dem back”. Apart from that though, this dish is a very healthy one as the okras (one of the ingredients) are a good source of vitamins, whilst the fish is a good source of protein and Omega -3 just to name a few. As an island nation, Jamaican cuisine features an abundance of seafood favourites, but this recipe is at the top of most lists.
Any fish can be used but a firm white salt water fish (traditionally red snapper) is preferable.
However, not just any cracker will do. Excelsior Water crackers; locally known as 'tough crackers,' have been made in Jamaica for over 100 years. The tasty snacks are known for their crispiness as well as their ability to stay fresh through long hot summers and damp hurricane seasons. Their unique texture allows them to absorb liquid without falling apart, thus they are often dipped in coffee and tea.
As a side dish to steamed fish, the crackers take on a texture similar to dumplings as an indescribably delicious delicacy. One taste and you'll be hooked!
The original
The fat free (Cinnamon)
INGREDIENTS • 3 medium sized whole fish
• 10 medium okras
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 small carrot
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 large onion
• 2 stalk scallion
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 6 grains pimento berry
• Fish seasoning or salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
Clean and wash fish with lime juice or vinegar, drain on paper towel. Season with fish seasoning or salt and pepper.
Wash and cut okras in half
Cut carrot into thin slices
Chop garlic, scallion and thyme into small pieces. Cut onion into rings
Add coconut milk to large skillet and bring to boil.
mAdd carrots and okras, let simmer for 10 minutes.
Place fish into the boiling coconut milk, along with butter, garlic, onion, scallion, thyme and pimento.
Allow to steam for 10 minutes