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Caribbean Brown Stew Salmon

Caribbean Brown Stew Salmon
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Caribbean Brown Stew Salmon is a flavorful and authentic island dish featuring tender salmon simmered in a rich, spiced brown stew sauce with hints of sweetness and warmth from traditional Caribbean spices. Perfectly balanced and nutritious, this recipe is simple to prepare and ideal for any meal occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed, skin on or off)

Brown Stew Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole or finely chopped (use sparingly)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or puree
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon browning sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 5–6 pimento berries (allspice berries)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime

Optional Additions

  • 1/4 cup coconut milk (for creamy variation)
  • Additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or okra
  • Smoked paprika or smoked salmon for smoky flavor twist

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lime juice to enhance their natural flavor and tenderize the fish before cooking.
  2. Make the Brown Stew Base: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the salmon fillets briefly on both sides, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the onions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper until fragrant and soft.
  3. Build the Sauce: Add the brown sugar, tomato sauce, soy sauce, browning sauce, thyme, and pimento berries to the sautéed aromatics. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently, allowing it to thicken and develop rich, complex flavors.
  4. Simmer the Salmon: Return the browned salmon to the skillet, cover it with the brown stew sauce, and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. This allows the salmon to absorb the spices and cook thoroughly without drying out.
  5. Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce and add creaminess. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped scallions or cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh wild-caught salmon if available for best flavor and texture.
  • Simmer the salmon gently to keep it tender and juicy; avoid overcooking.
  • Taste the stew as it cooks to gradually adjust sugar, salt, or spice levels.
  • Use browning sauce sparingly to prevent bitterness while achieving the characteristic brown color.
  • Allow the stew to rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
  • Frozen salmon should be fully thawed and patted dry before use to avoid excess moisture in the stew.
  • Substitute Scotch bonnet with habanero or cayenne for different spice levels.
  • Ensure soy sauce and other condiments are gluten-free if necessary.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caribbean brown stew salmon, brown stew sauce, island fish recipe, spicy salmon stew, Caribbean cuisine, healthy salmon dish

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/caribbean-brown-stew-salmon/