Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish – A Â quintessential Jamaican Breakfast made with ackee, salt fish, onions, tomatoes, red bell pepper, then infused with garlic, thyme, and hearty spices creating a tastebud sensation.
 Guys, meet ackee. A fruit, yes indeed. Somewhat related to the lychee family, but for the most part, it’s often referred to as a vegetable; creamy, buttery, and really delicate in texture. Just one look at it and you would think it is soft scrambled eggs, right?
Yes, it literally melts in your mouth. Legendary in Jamaica and mostly used together with salt fish to make a delectable breakfast dish.
In fact, it is said to be Jamaica’s National Dish. Although not indigenous to Jamaica, Ackee is grown throughout Jamaica. It originated from West Africa (not celebrated in Africa like it is in Jamaica), imported to the Caribbean in the 18th Century, as a part of a staple on the plantations. I have vague memories of fresh ackee but just can’t put it together. I’m just not going to sweat it. All I know is that it blows your mind. Delicious! Definitely an exotic breakfast – Fit for a king or queen.Â
Guess what? You don’t have to be a royal to enjoy this. You can have it right here. Any takers?
 You just have to give it a try. I promise you are going to DIG it!!!
 No worries! You can get it at any Caribbean market and some international markets do carry it, depending on your neighborhood, or it’s just a click away as sold on Amazon.
Be careful when cooking Ackee since it’s delicate. It is advisable to not overcook it cause it melts easily. Add towards the end when you only have about 3-5 minutes left and avoid continuous stirring.
Do pair it with these Caribbean Dumplings here, or boiled green bananas, Callaloo and/or fried plantains. Because it is customary and all of these make it a scrumptious breakfast.
 Enjoy!!!
Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish
Ingredients
- 4-6 slice bacon, chopped
- ½ pound boneless salted codfish
- ¼ cup vegetable oil, or more
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomato, diced
- 2 scallion, chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, sliced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon paprika, optional
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, sub about ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 18-ounce ackee, drained
Instructions
- Soak salt cod in water overnight. Boil it if you don't want excess salt. Then set it aside.
- Sauté your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp; this may take about 3-5 minutes.
- Then transfer the bacon from the skillet to a plate.
- You will have some bacon drippings left in the pan; remove them and leave 1-2 tablespoons of bacon.
- Then add a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil to the pan, and add the onions, garlic, thyme, and green onions.
- Sauté for about a minute, occasionally stirring to prevent it from burning.
- Add the tomatoes, continue cooking for about 3 minutes, then add the hot pepper and white pepper. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Cook for about 5 minutes or more, adding water as needed.
- Finally, throw in the saltfish, cook for a few minutes, add the ackee and cook for 3 more minutes or more - adjust the seasoning to taste. Remove your ackee and saltfish from the heat and let it cool. You may prepare this a day in advance.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Soak salt cod fish in water over-night, if needed boil to get rid of excess salt. Shred in large pieces
Sauté bacon until brown and crisp this may take about 3-5 minutes
Combination of sauté onions, garlic, thyme, tomatoes, green onions, red bell pepper and pepper
Finally throw in salt fish, cook for a few minutes then add ackee and cook for another 3 minutes or more -adjust the seasoning, to taste
Merdy says
Beautifully authentic
Iji says
Keluhatannya sangat enak dan seperti resep telur orak arik kalau di indonesia
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Iji!
Andrew says
This is a great recipe.
Lester T.S. says
This recipe reminds me of Palm Sunday morning and mother’s recipe with the exception of plantains which I’m going to incorporate to this recipe. It’s just simple succulent. Thank you for this recipe, truly appreciate it.
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Lester! I’m happy you loved this! 🙂
Najee Searcy says
Simple and easy saltfish and ackee. (my rhyme lol) This recipe was delicious and easy. I love ackee and saltfish and haven’t made it in years. This really took the guesswork out and helped me connect so deep with all of the yummies in my tummy. Thanks for another banga Imma.
ImmaculateBites says
Glad you enjoyed it . Thanks for the feedback!
Marva says
Real Jamaicans don’t use bacon
ImmaculateBites says
Leave it out , if it is not your thing .
Bowen says
Immaculate bites! If this is a recipe for kings and queens then you are officially a queen! Tastes just like how my family makes it. Made this for my boyfriend and he loved it.
ImmaculateBites says
YESS!!!