Caribbean Brown Stew Salmon is one of those dishes that makes me feel like I’ve traveled straight to the islands without ever leaving my kitchen. The salmon is tender, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the combination of spices, peppers, and tomatoes creates a stew that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Every bite feels like a celebration of Caribbean cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it has everything I want in a homemade meal. The salmon soaks up the tangy-sweet sauce beautifully, making it juicy and flavorful. It’s also surprisingly simple to prepare, even on a busy weeknight. The dish is versatile too—I can serve it with rice, plantains, or even a crisp salad depending on the mood. Plus, I enjoy how warming and hearty it feels, making it perfect for both cozy nights at home and festive family dinners.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 salmon fillets
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
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1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
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1 cup water
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Green onions, for garnish
Directions
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I start by rinsing and patting dry the salmon fillets, then seasoning both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
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In a large skillet, I heat the oil over medium heat.
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I sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
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I add the bell pepper and let it cook another 3 minutes.
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Next, I stir in the tomatoes, soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, cayenne pepper, and water, letting everything combine.
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I bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5–7 minutes to deepen the flavors.
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I carefully place the salmon fillets into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
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Covering the skillet, I cook the salmon for 10–15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
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I taste the sauce and adjust with extra seasoning if needed.
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Finally, I garnish with green onions and serve the dish warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 30–35 minutes
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Total time: 45–50 minutes
Variations
I like to change this dish up depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots for more texture and color. Other times, I replace salmon with snapper or tilapia for a different take. When I’m in the mood for creaminess, I add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce—it gives it a smooth, tropical finish. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil also make a wonderful twist.
Storage/Reheating
When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, I gently warm the salmon and sauce on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist. If I want to freeze it, I place the salmon with the sauce in a freezer-safe container—it keeps well for up to 2 months. I always thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, I use frozen salmon sometimes. I just make sure it’s fully thawed so it cooks evenly.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely, I like making it a day before when hosting. I reheat it slowly on the stove with a little water to keep the sauce from drying out.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
It definitely can be. I usually reduce or skip the cayenne pepper if I’m serving it to kids.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
I often use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos if I want something lower in sodium.
Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Yes, I often throw in mushrooms, green beans, or spinach when I want to bulk up the dish with more vegetables.
Conclusion
Caribbean Brown Stew Salmon is one of those recipes I keep coming back to. It’s colorful, flavorful, and comforting in a way that feels like home while still carrying the vibrant essence of the Caribbean. I love how it fits any occasion—whether I’m cooking for myself, family, or friends. With just a few steps and simple ingredients, I can enjoy a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and full of culture. This recipe is always a winner at my table, and I know it will be at yours too.
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Caribbean Brown Stew Salmon: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Caribbean Brown Stew Salmon is a bold, flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets simmered in a rich, spiced tomato-based sauce. Infused with onions, peppers, and herbs, it’s a comforting, island-inspired meal that’s perfect for weeknights or festive dinners.
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup water
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry salmon fillets. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add sliced bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes, soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, cayenne (if using), and water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Carefully add the salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute coconut milk for a creamy variation of the sauce.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Try with other fish like snapper or tilapia.
- Extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach can be added for variety.
- Serve with rice, plantains, or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg