Flavorful Delight: Jamaican Jerk Fish

By Dr. Cindy Tanzar

When it comes to enhancing your meals with exciting flavors, Jamaican Jerk Fish is a fantastic choice! The blend of spices in jerk seasoning adds incredible depth and character to the fish, making it a delicious centerpiece for any meal. Whether you prefer spicy, smoky, or earthy notes, this recipe allows for plenty of customization. Plus, it’s a healthy option that works beautifully for weight loss.

Perfect for grilling, broiling, or baking, this jerk fish can easily become a highlight on your dining table. Let’s explore how to prepare this vibrant dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of spices can be adjusted to your taste. Feel free to add more heat or sweetness depending on your preferences.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Using wild-caught fish ensures you’re getting rich nutrients and healthy fats, making this dish both light and satisfying.
• Simple to Prepare: The marinade works quickly, and the cooking process is straightforward—perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party dish.

Recipe Breakdown

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• For the Fish:
  • 1 lb. wild-caught fish (choose from salmon, swordfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, halibut, grouper, cod, or haddock; can use individual filets or cut large filets into 4 portions)

• For the Marinade:
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. Pink Himalayan salt
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (adjust to reduce or increase heat)
  • ¼ tsp. dried thyme
  • 2 Tbsp. avocado oil
  • 1-1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

Directions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, cumin, allspice, ginger, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, avocado oil, and lime juice until well combined.
2. Marinate the Fish: Place the fish in a flat glass Pyrex dish or a 1-gallon Ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. For optimal flavor, allow the fish to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours; however, even a half-hour would suffice in a pinch.
3. Preheat Cooking Method:
   • For Grilling: Preheat your grill.
   • For Oven/Broiler: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Grill the Fish: If grilling, place the marinated fish on the grill and cook for approximately 4 minutes per side or until the fish is firmly cooked in the center, flipping once.
5. Broil the Fish: If using the broiler, place the fish on a foil-lined baking sheet about 5-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for approximately 5-6 minutes per half-inch of thickness or until the fish becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Bake the Fish: If baking, place the fish on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is firm in the center and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve: Once cooked, remove the fish from heat and let it rest briefly. Serve with fresh lime wedges and your choice of sides, such as sautéed veggies, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Final Thoughts

Jamaican Jerk Fish is a vibrant and flavorful dish that makes for an exciting meal anytime. With its spices and zesty lime, you’ll enjoy a taste of the tropics right at your dining table. Feel free to experiment with the marinade by adjusting spice levels to suit your palate.

This recipe also works wonderfully with chicken, so you can easily switch up the protein based on your preferences or for variety throughout the week. Enjoy the culinary journey and the delightful flavors of this Jamaican-inspired dish!