Jamaican saltfish and butter bean recipe

This Saltfish and butter bean recipe is one of my favourite. Saltfish and butter beans, you couldn't ask for a better combination

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Jamaican

Keyword Saltfish and butter bean

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Servings Servings

Calories 215kcal

Author Lesa

Wash and soak the saltfish overnight or for at least 2 hours. It's best to soak the fish overnight, as the longer the saltfish soak, the more the salty taste reduces.
Place the saltfish in a pot with fresh water and put to boil for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps to soften the fish and remove more of the salt.
Pour away the boiled water and wash the saltfish with cold water. Once the saltfish is cool, remove the fish scale/skin and bones (not necessary if you are using boneless and skinless cod). Flake the saltfish and set it aside.
Add oil to a frying pan on medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper and thyme to the pan and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens.
Add the saltfish flakes, stirring continuously for 4-5 minutes.
Add the okra, bell pepper and tomato (you can add these before adding the saltfish, but I like to "fry" the saltfish before adding the vegetables).
Add the butter beans, a tbsp of water and the ketchup if you are using it. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the vegetables cook.

Although I only added okra and bell pepper to the recipe, you can add whatever vegetable you like. Sometimes, I would add string beans or carrots, depending on my mood.
In the instructions, I added the saltfish before the vegetables, but you can also add the vegetables before the saltfish.
Using ketchup is optional, but I like to use it because it adds a hint of sweetness and helps to reduce the tastiness of the fish.