Saltfish
— Quick and Flavorful Caribbean Breakfast
Start your day the Caribbean way with Saltfish — a classic breakfast dish loved across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean for its bold, savory flavors. Made with tender, flakey salted cod, sautéed onions, sweet bell peppers, and a touch of fiery Scotch bonnet, this dish delivers the perfect balance of spice, aroma, and richness in every bite.
Saltfish is a staple in many Caribbean households and is traditionally served with fried dumplings, bread, or hearty vegetables like callaloo or cabbage. It’s a protein-packed breakfast that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch. The onions and tomatoes add subtle sweetness, the bell pepper provides a fresh crunch, and the Scotch bonnet pepper gives just the right amount of heat.
Whether you’re exploring Caribbean flavors for the first time or craving a taste of home, Saltfish is versatile and easy to enjoy. You can serve it as-is for a simple breakfast, or enhance it by adding ackee, callaloo, or cabbage for a fuller plate. Either way, this dish brings the authentic taste of the islands straight to your kitchen.
Recipe Details:
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
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1 lb salted boneless codfish (cod, pollock, or baccala)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 medium tomato, chopped
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¼ green sweet bell pepper, diced
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½ Scotch bonnet pepper
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons oil (coconut oil recommended)
Instructions:
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Rinse the cod to remove excess salt. Place it in a small pot with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil to further reduce the saltiness.
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Remove the cod from the pot, rinse thoroughly with cold water, then flake it and set aside.
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In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and sauté the onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
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Add the flaked saltfish to the skillet and mix well, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
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Season with black pepper, cover, and cook for another 3–5 minutes.
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Serve hot with fried dumplings, fresh bread, or alongside steamed vegetables.
💡 Chef’s Tip:
Enhance the dish by folding in ackee, callaloo, or cabbage. For extra island flavor, finish with a light sprinkle of Raina’s Kitchen Scotch Bonnet Pepper Salt.
From my kitchen to yours, enjoy!
— Raina 🌿🍛🔥
