Learn How to Make Jamaican Steamed Fish for Lent

Matthew 4:1-2:

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”

Lent is a time honored across the globe by Christians, it represents a season of reflection and renewal. It marks the moment when Jesus retreated into the wilderness for 40 days  to fast, pray, and face the ultimate test of temptation from the devil himself. Through it all, Jesus demonstrated unparalleled obedience to God.

When His time in the wilderness came to an end, He stepped out ready to begin His public ministry, teaching us the power of obedience and faith. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper, with Good Friday marking Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

In the same way that Jesus resisted temptation in the wilderness, we too observe this season by giving up something meaningful. It’s more than just a simple sacrifice, it’s about self-discipline, reflecting on our own lives, and drawing closer to God. For 40 days, we practice fasting from things that hold us back or that we rely on too much, much like how Jesus was tested by the devil, but chose faith and obedience instead.

Reflection of Lent

Growing up, my family didn’t practice Lent, but as I got older, I started learning about it in church and through conversations with friends. Each year, I would give up something that I felt I was addicted to, like sugary snacks or bad habits. At first, it wasn’t so much about deepening my faith; it was about the benefits of going without, like losing weight because I cut out some bad habits.

But over time, as my amateur faith has grown, I’ve come to understand that Lent is not just about what you give up, it’s about reflection, sacrifice, and drawing closer to God in obedience.

Now, each year, I take this time to reflect deeply, reading my Bible, and learning lessons along the way. I’ve learned that the sacrifices I make during this time aren’t just physical, they’re spiritual.

When Lent ends, I plan to share a follow-up post with you all, sharing what I gave up, how it challenged me, and how it brought me closer to God.

Jamaican Steamed Fish

One of the traditions of Lent is to abstain from meat, especially red meat. So, today, I want to share with you a special Jamaican steamed fish dish, a beloved meal enjoyed across the island during this sacred time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will have you feeling like you’ve stepped straight into a lively Jamaican kitchen. 

Ingredients:

• Whole fish (snapper or parrotfish, tilapia is ideal, but you can use your favorite fresh fish)
•  Lime and vinegar (for cleaning the fish)
• One tsp all purpose 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 bell pepper (red or green), thinly sliced
• 4oz pumpkin or squash
• Okra (optional, but adds a lovely texture)
• 1-2 carrots, sliced thinly
• 1/2 corn on the corn. Cut small
• White onion
• 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (you can adjust the amount for heat preference, you can also use habanero pepper or red pepper flakes or even Cayenne pepper. Also you don’t have to use any pepper if you don’t prefer)
• Irish potato
• Thyme (fresh sprigs or dried, about 2 teaspoons)
• Excelsior water crackers (optional, this is Jamaican made hard crackers that is put into the fish juices to soak it up. Its add the carbs to this dish)
• Grace fish tea mix (optional)
•  1-2 scallions (green onions), chopped
• 1/2 tsp butter
• Corn starch 
• 2 cups of Water

Side Suggestions:

    •    Rice and peas (perfectly complements the flavor)

    •    Bammy (a flatbread made from cassava, soft and perfect for soaking up the juices)

    •    Fried plantains (sweet and savory)

    •    Crackers soaked into fish

Step-by-Step Guide Part 1:

1.    Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Fish

First things first , let’s get that fish fresh and ready! Give it a good wash with lime and salt, this step is key for cutting away that strong “fishy” smell and giving you a clean, crisp flavor.

Once your fish is spotless, make a few shallow diagonal slashes on both sides. Think of these cuts as flavor highways, they’ll let the seasoning soak right in. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel, then set it aside like a prized centerpiece waiting for its big moment.

Step 2: Season the Fish

In a bowl, mix your powdered seasonings, salt, black pepper, paprika, and your favorite fish seasoning blend. Now, here’s where the magic happens: Rub that seasoning mix all over the fish, inside the slashes, along the belly, everywhere. Don’t hold back, this is where the flavor gets locked in. Once it’s coated in that beautiful blend of spices, set it aside to marinate while we prep the veggies.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies

It’s time to bring the color! Slice your onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and carrots into thin, pretty strips, the kind that make your dish look as good as it tastes.

Next, wash and peel your Irish potatoes and pumpkin, then dice them finely, these will melt into the broth, giving it a rich, comforting texture. Chop your scallions for a burst of flavor, and grab those scotch bonnet peppers if you’re ready to turn up the heat. If you’re using okra, slice it up nice and thin, it’s optional, but trust me, it adds a silky texture that’s just divine.

Step-by-Step Guide Part 2

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Now it’s time to create the heart of this dish, the rich, flavorful broth.

Add 3 cups of water to a large pot, then toss in your diced Irish potato, pumpkin, thyme, and 1 tablespoon of butter for that rich, silky finish.

For the heat lovers, now’s your chance to shine, cut your scotch bonnet pepper in half and toss it in. If you prefer a milder dish, leave the pepper whole or swap it out for red pepper flakes (or no pepper at all, your call!).

Bring this fragrant mix to a boil with the lid on and let it bubble away for about 15 minutes, this gives the potatoes and pumpkin time to soften and thicken the broth.

Step 5: Add the Fish and Veggies

Time for the star of the show! Move your veggies to one side of the pot and carefully nestle your seasoned fish into the bubbling broth.

Now, add your remaining vegetables, corn, onions, carrots, okra (if using), bell peppers, and tomatoes, all layered on top of the fish. For extra richness, add ½ teaspoon of butter on top to melt into the mix.

Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Resist the urge to stir! Fish is delicate, and we don’t want it falling apart. Instead, every few minutes, use a spoon to scoop up that rich broth and pour it over the top of the fish, this ensures it cooks through without flipping it.

Step 6: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

If you find your broth is a little too runny, here’s a simple trick: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and pour it into the pot. Stir gently so it blends in smoothly, no lumps allowed!

Step-by-Step Guide Part 3

Step 7: Add the Jamaican Water Crackers (Optional)

For a true Jamaican touch, toss some Jamaican water crackers into the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking. These crackers soak up the flavorful broth, adding a soft yet satisfying texture.

Step 8: The Finishing Touches

Once the fish is tender and perfectly cooked, remove the lid and let it rest for a minute. Taste your broth and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.

Serve your delicious steamed fish with a side of rice and peas, fried plantains, or bammy and don’t forget to spoon some of that rich, flavorful broth over everything. Trust me, one taste and you’ll feel like you’re right back on the island.

I took inspiration from this amazing video, all credit goes to this talented Jamaican YouTuber for sharing this delicious recipe. In the video, he prepared this dish for Father’s Day, but it’s also a popular choice during Lent or when you’re craving a light yet satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor and tradition. 

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add your own twist? Leave a comment below and let me know. Enjoy this comforting Jamaican classic and embrace the spirit of Lent with a dish that’s rich in flavor, tradition, and meaning. Happy Cooking!

What Does Lent Mean To You?

Thank you for sticking with me! This is the first time I’ve shared a recipe on my blog, and I’m so excited to see what’s to come with this new chapter. I thought I’d just talk about faith, but now I’m branching out into inspiration and recipes, still keeping it rooted in faith, of course. This journey is seriously exciting!

As we journey through Lent, I want to invite you to reflect on what Lent truly means to you. If you’ve never really practiced it before, I urge you to do some research and give it a try. Whether through sacrifices, acts of service, or simply reflecting on your spiritual walk. Just like Jesus went into the wilderness to fast and pray, this season is a time for us to step back, reflect, and deepen our relationship with God.

I can’t wait to share more with you as we go through this season together!