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Saltfish And Ackee
SeafoodJamaican

Saltfish And Ackee

Saltfish And Ackee is a classic Jamaican dish that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Salt Cod, Ackee, Onion, Paprika, Curry Powder, Jerusalem Artichokes, Hotsauce, Red Pepper, Yellow Pepper, Tomatoes, Pepper, Self-raising Flour and Suet, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. The cooking process allows natural aromas to develop, ensuring each portion is both hearty and flavorful.

Serve hot alongside fresh bread, steamed grains, or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

If you enjoy authentic Jamaican cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Escovitch Fish.

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Ingredients

  • Salt Cod450g
  • Ackee400g
  • Onion1 chopped
  • Paprika1 tsp
  • Curry Powder2 tsp
  • Jerusalem Artichokes2 tsp
  • Hotsauce1 tsp
  • Red Pepper1 sliced
  • Yellow Pepper1 sliced
  • Tomatoes200g
  • Saltto taste
  • Pepperto taste
  • Self-raising Flour250g
  • Suet30g
  • Saltpinch
  • Olive Oilfor frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

16 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1

For the saltfish, soak the salt cod overnight, changing the water a couple of times.

Step 2♨️ Boil

Drain, then put the cod in a large pan of fresh water and bring to the boil.

Step 3♨️ Boil

Drain again, add fresh water and bring to the boil again.

Step 4🍲 Simmer

Simmer for about five minutes, or until cooked through, then drain and flake the fish into large pieces.

Step 5

Discard any skin or bones.

Step 6🥄 Mix

For the dumplings, mix the flour and suet with a pinch of salt and 250ml/9fl oz water to make a dough.

Step 7

Wrap the mixture in clingfilm and leave in the fridge to rest.

Step 8

Open the can of ackee, drain and rinse, then set aside.

Step 9🍳 Fry

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and fry the onion until softened but not brown.

Step 10🍳 Fry

Add the spices, seasoning, pepper sauce and sliced peppers and continue to fry until the peppers are tender.

Step 11🥄 Mix

Add the chopped tomatoes, then the salt cod and mix together.

Step 12🍲 Simmer

Lastly stir in the ackee very gently and leave to simmer until ready to serve.

Step 13

When you’re almost ready to eat, heat about 1cm/½in vegetable oil in a frying pan and heat until just smoking.

Step 14🍳 Fry

Shape the dumpling mix into plum-size balls and shallow-fry until golden-brown. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous.

Step 15

Do not leave the pan unattended.)

Step 16✨ Serve

Drain the dumplings on kitchen paper and serve with the saltfish and ackee.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Saltfish And Ackee carries a rich culinary tradition rooted in regional home cooking. Developed over generations, the recipe highlights wholesome local ingredients prepared with time-honored kitchen techniques.

Dietary Substitutions

For a lighter preparation with less oil, you can brush the exterior lightly with vegetable oil and air-fry at 190°C (375°F), turning halfway through until golden-crisp.

Chef Technique Tips

Maintain your frying oil consistently around 175°C–180°C (350°F–355°F). Frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping, which is the secret to a crisp exterior that doesn't absorb excess grease.

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