Entree: Cayman Islands – Ackee and Saltfish (Salted cod sautéed with ackee fruit, onions, tomatoes and peppers to make a savory Caribbean main dish)
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
20 min
Cook
20 min
Additional
8 hrs
Total
8 hrs 40 min
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) salted cod (saltfish), soaked 8–12 hours with several water changes, flaked
- 2 cups (480 g) canned ackee, drained and large pieces gently separated
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced (about 6 oz / 170 g)
- 2 scallions (green onions), sliced (about 2 oz / 60 g)
- 1 medium tomato, diced (about 5 oz / 140 g)
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, diced (about 3 oz / 85 g)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 0.4 oz / 12 g)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme (about 1 g)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (about 0.5 g)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved soaking liquid or water, as needed to loosen the pan
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Drain the soaked saltfish, rinse, then place in a pot of fresh water and simmer 10–12 minutes until tender. Drain, let cool slightly, remove bones and skin, and flake into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic, scallions, bell pepper, thyme, and Scotch bonnet (if using); sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in diced tomato and cook until tomatoes break down, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the flaked saltfish and black pepper. Stir and fry 2–3 minutes to combine flavors. If the pan is dry, add up to 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved soaking liquid or water to loosen.
6. Gently fold in the drained ackee, taking care not to mash the pieces. Cook 2–4 minutes just until ackee is warmed through and heated but still tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning (do not add salt because the saltfish provides the salt). Serve immediately with lime wedges alongside boiled green bananas, dumplings, breadfruit, or plain white rice.
