How to Make the Perfect Ackee and Saltfish
Caribbean · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
This simplified version of Jamaica national dish uses canned ackee and mild saltfish to create a kid friendly breakfast or brunch that introduces children to Caribbean culture. Parents appreciate how this recipe comes together quickly and provides a good source of protein that fuels kids through the morning.
Why this recipe works
This Ackee and Saltfish recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 240 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 can ackee drained and rinsed
- 200 grams salted codfish soaked and flaked
- 1 medium bell pepper diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Saltfish
Soak the salted codfish in cold water for at least one hour or boil it for 15 minutes, then drain, remove any bones, and flake the fish into small pieces.
Step 2: Saute the Vegetables
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3: Add Fish and Ackee
Stir in the flaked saltfish and cook for 3 minutes, then gently fold in the canned ackee being careful not to break it up too much as it is delicate.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season with black pepper, cook for 2 more minutes until everything is warmed through, then serve immediately with toast, boiled dumplings, or cooked plantains.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- salted codfish → canned tuna which is milder in flavor and requires no soaking making it much quicker to prepare
- canned ackee → scrambled eggs which have a similar soft texture and make the dish even more familiar to children
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not soaking the saltfish long enough leaving it too salty which overwhelms the mild flavor of the ackee
- Stirring too aggressively once the ackee is added causing it to break apart and turn mushy instead of staying in soft pieces
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 240 calories, 22g protein, 8g carbs, 13g fat, 2g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →