Description
Jamaican Ackee & Saltfish is a flavorful, savory dish primarily made of salted cod (saltfish) and ackee, a tropical fruit native to West Africa but heavily associated with Jamaica. The dish is typically accompanied by vegetables like onions, peppers, and tomatoes, all sautéed together to create a delightful and aromatic mixture.
Ingredients
1 can (540g) ackee (drained and rinsed gently) or 2 cups fresh ackee (boiled until tender)
300g salted cod (saltfish), soaked overnight and boiled to remove excess salt
1 medium onion, sliced
1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
2 spring onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 small tomato, chopped (optional)
1 scotch bonnet pepper, deseeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Saltfish
- Soak saltfish overnight in cold water (or boil it twice to reduce salt).
- Flake into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, spring onions, thyme, and tomato. Sauté until softened.
- Add Saltfish
- Stir in the flaked saltfish and cook for 5–7 minutes until heated through and slightly crisped.
- Add Ackee
- Gently fold in ackee, being careful not to mash it.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes until warmed and combined.
- Season with black pepper and optional scotch bonnet.
- Serve Hot
- Traditionally served with fried dumplings, boiled green bananas, yam, or roasted breadfruit.
Notes
Jamaican ackee and saltfish is a national treasure, rich in flavor and tradition. Serve it alongside fried dumplings, boiled green bananas, or roasted breadfruit for a truly authentic experience. It’s a vibrant dish that brings the taste of the Caribbean right to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish Recipe, Ackee and Saltfish