Callaloo and SaltFish Recipe - Authentic Jamaican Side Dish

Authentic Jamaican Side recipe — Callaloo and SaltFish. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Callaloo and SaltFish Recipe - Authentic Jamaican Side Dish

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup Callaloo leaves (Fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup Saltfish (Soaked and flaked)
  • 1 medium Onion (Chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 medium Tomato (Chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme (Fresh or dried)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 cup Bell pepper (Chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1 cup Water

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Prepare the Saltfish

    Soak the saltfish overnight to remove excess salt, then boil for 10 minutes. Drain and flake into pieces.

    Make sure to taste the saltfish after boiling to check if it's still too salty.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics

    In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.

    This step enhances the flavor of the dish by releasing the aromatics.
  3. Add Vegetables

    Add chopped tomato and bell pepper to the pan, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

    Using fresh vegetables enhances the dish's texture and flavor.
  4. Incorporate Callaloo

    Add the callaloo leaves and thyme to the pan, stirring well to combine.

    Cover the pan to help the callaloo wilt evenly.
  5. Combine with Saltfish

    Once the callaloo is wilted, gently fold in the flaked saltfish. Add water and simmer for 5-7 minutes.

    Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh callaloo for the best flavor. Adjust salt levels according to taste. Serve with rice or dumplings for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 1 day in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 1 month — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving seafood as it can become rubbery.

What to Serve With

Complete your jamaican meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Callaloo and SaltFish Recipe - Authentic Jamaican Side Dish is a beloved dish from Jamaican cuisine.

Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Known for its bold seasonings, jerk-style cooking, and tropical ingredients.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives, though the flavor will differ.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories250kcal
Total Fat10gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates22gg
Dietary Fiber5gg
Total Sugars3gg
Protein15gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineJamaican
CategoryDinner