Jamaican Roast Fish In Foil (with Callaloo Stuff)

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and family-friendly meal, look no further than Jamaican-style roast fish in foil.

This tasty dish will surely be an instant hit with everyone at the dinner table. It’s savory and flavorful, thanks to the callaloo stuffing that adds richness to the fish. And because it’s made in foil, all of the ingredients cook together quickly and evenly, which makes it a great option for busy nights!

Jamaican roast fish in foil. Credit: canva

Let’s break down why this dish is so irresistible.

Table of Contents

What Makes Jamaican Roast Fish in Foil so Special?

This incredibly flavorful seafood dish will water your mouth long before it hits the table. The mix of herbs and spices used to marinate the fish—including garlic, onion, thyme, parsley, and Scotch bonnet peppers—gives it an unbeatable flavor.

The callaloo (a type of leafy green vegetable) and vegetables used to stuff the fish are also perfectly cooked in the foil packet.

Not only does this recipe taste good, but it’s also packed with nutrients! As we all know, fish is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids essential for healthy skin and brain development.

The callaloo and other vegetables add vitamins and minerals to the mix as well as fiber to help keep you full throughout the day.

Roasting Jamaican fish on a grill. Credit: canva

How to Make It

Making Jamaican Roast Fish in Foil requires minimal effort and can be done on a stovetop or oven-baked.

What You Need

The first step is gathering your ingredients. You’ll need the following:

Red Snapper Fish (or Fish of your choice)

For Marinating the Fish:

Salt
Jerk seasoning (or any all-purpose seasoning)

For the Stuffing:

Callaloo leaves
Okra & Carrot
Garlic & Onion
Scotch bonnet pepper & thyme
Salt
Butter

Once all your ingredients have been gathered, the next step is to prepare them.

Check this video about Callaloo Stuff Oven Roast Fish Jamaican Style

Preparing the Fish

Rinse and clean the fish inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
Make some incisions on the fish so the seasoning will be absorbed.
Season with salt and jerk seasoning or all-purpose seasoning.
Set aside for 15 minutes while you prepare your stuffing mixture.

Preparing the Callaloo Stuff

Chopped the callaloo leaves, carrots, okra, garlic, and onion.
Mix with salt and jerk seasoning in a bowl.
Mix until all items are combined well.
Stuff this mix into the incisions of the fish.

Assembling the Dish

Take a large sheet of foil and place it on a flat surface.
Place your butter in the middle of the foil, and then lay your fish on top.
Place some butter on top of your fish and inside the fish as well.
Add some vegetables, Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, garlic, and onion.
Wrap up all sides tightly so no air or liquid escapes your package during baking.

Baking the Fish

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place your wrapped-up fish onto a baking tray and into the preheated oven.
Bake for 30-35 minutes.
When done, let it cool before serving. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestion

It is best served with rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple salad. These sides provide the perfect accompaniment and help you get the most out of this delicious dish.

Variations

This dish can be made with different types of fish, such as tuna, salmon, or sea bass. You can also use different vegetables in the stuffing, such as bell peppers and zucchini. Feel free to experiment and find what combination works best for you!

Check this video about Jamaican roast fish stuffed callaloo with shrimp.

About Callaloo Leaves

Callaloo is a leafy green vegetable from the amaranth family, popular in Caribbean and African cuisines. It can be harvested when young, tender, or mature and is often cooked with onion, garlic, tomatoes, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper.

Callaloo can also be eaten raw or steamed lightly. The name callaloo refers to the plant and the dish made from it.

The Benefits of Using Aluminum Foil

Roasting fish with aluminum foil has several benefits:

It is an easy and efficient way to cook fish, requiring minimal preparation and cleanup.
The foil helps to keep the fish moist, as it seals in the natural juices.
The foil also helps to prevent sticking, so you don’t have to worry about your fish sticking to the pan or grill.
You can add flavors to the foil packet, such as herbs and spices.
It is a great way to cook multiple fish pieces at once without having them overlap.

FAQs

Do you bake fish covered or uncovered?

It is best to bake fish in an aluminum foil packet, as this will help to keep the fish moist and prevent it from sticking.

How long do you bake fish in foil?

The baking time for fish in foil will vary depending on the type and size of the fish. Generally speaking, it should take between 20-30 minutes at 375°F.

Can you bake fish without foil?

Yes. You can bake fish without foil using a baking dish or sheet pan. Just be sure to lightly coat the fish with oil before baking and check on it regularly to ensure it doesn’t dry out.