Caribbean Coconut Fish Stew with Callaloo
A vibrant and aromatic stew featuring tender fish in a creamy coconut milk broth, simmered with callaloo and spices, evoking the flavors of the Caribbean islands. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, large, diced (1 cup) onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch pieces fish fillets, firm white
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced (1 cup) onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, diced (1/2 cup) green bell pepper
- 1, seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 bunch (10 oz), washed and chopped callaloo
- 1 medium, peeled and diced (1/2 cup) potato
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, and 1 minced jalapeño pepper; cook for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, then cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk and 1 cup vegetable broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Add 1.5 lbs cut fish pieces and 1/2 cup diced potato, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 bunch chopped callaloo and cook for 2 more minutes until wilted and tender.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Coconut Fish Stew with Callaloo take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caribbean Coconut Fish Stew with Callaloo?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Coconut Fish Stew with Callaloo?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caribbean Coconut Fish Stew with Callaloo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caribbean Coconut Fish Stew with Callaloo?
Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.