This is the BEST Haitian salmon stew recipe ever. It’s loaded with herbs, warm Caribbean spices, and a generous amount of lemon juice. Top it off on a bed of white rice and sos pwa for a cozy, hearty, comforting meal.
Salmon stew is typically underappreciated despite being incredibly quick to cook. It can be served on your dinner table in less than eight minutes.
The natural flavor of the fish will be accentuated by the spice combinations that are used in this delicious Haitian Salmon stew. After that, it is simmered in a garlic, tomato-cooking wine sauce.
The Best Haitian Salmon Stew
You may be familiar with Bouillabaisse, a dish that originates from the Provence region of France and is considered to be a traditional cuisine. Salmon stew is probably something you’ve heard of before. Bouillabaisse is a fish soup or stew that is served in a variety of various ways in the French city of Marseille, which is a port city. Bouillabaisse is immensely popular in Marseille.
These soups were cooked by French fishermen using a variety of fish that they gathered from the waterways in the area. It is now considered a traditional dish that is prepared in almost every region of France and the rest of the world using any fish that is available at the local market.
Regarding this salmon stew, and although we do not know the precise origin of salmon stew, it is believed to have originated with the early English settlers of the Coastal Plain in North Carolina, fish stews are frequently prepared and served by people who live in rural areas on weekends, holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions during the fall and winter months.
Salmon Stew Ingredients
This dish only calls for a few simple ingredients that are not hard to come by! However, the result is a dish that is delicious when they are combined.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
- Salmon: For this salmon stew recipe, you can use one large filet or individual filets, it’s up to you.
- Parsley and thyme: Just a few sprigs of fresh herbs add an amazing punch of flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: What makes this recipe so darn excellent is the unique flavor of the Dijon mustard. Only one tablespoon is required for this recipe.
- Lemon Juice & Cooking Wine Vinegar: Haitian sauces, including this Haitian salmon stew, always include a splash of lemon juice. For this recipe, juice from 1 lemon will compliment the mustard beautifully and will provide a mild zesty flavor.
- Oil: Canola oil, avocado oil, or olive oil will work here.
- Garlic, Habanero Pepper, and Bell pepper: Garlic and pepper always add depth of flavor. Break the habanero pepper in half to add some heat to the stew.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to your liking.
- Tomato Paste: To give it a rich reddish–brown color.
Which Salmon To Purchase & How To Make The Stew
When it comes to wild-caught salmon, I usually advise purchasing the greatest quality possible, provided that your budget permits it. Furthermore, if you are able to acquire Sockeye salmon, it would be an even better option.
Prepare the salmon: Descale the salmon, if needed. Then cut the salmon into even-sized pieces. Next, wash and pat dry the salmon. Third, season the salmon pieces lightly with salt and set them aside to marinate.
Sear the salmon: To sear the salmon, using a nonstick skillet measuring 12 inches in diameter, bring the oil to a shimmering temperature over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon with the skin side up (if not skinless) until it is golden brown and crisp. Do not play around with the salmon pieces while they are cooking. This will allow you to have a beautiful, tasty, and light golden crust.
Repeat the process until you have cooked all the pieces.
Prepare The Sauce/Stew: In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic. Cook until fragrant. Then add the tomato paste and deglaze with the wine vinegar. Add the Dijon mustard and stir well to combine.
Next, add the salmon, and add the bell pepper as well as the herbs.
A Few Extra Tips
- Cover the salmon with a lid while it simmers. This will also keep the salmon moist.
- Allow the salmon to cook/sear uninterrupted.
Ways To Serve Haitian Salmon Stew
Below are a few ways to serve your Haitian Salmon Stew. This stew is great with Haitian white rice, it’s great with red beans and rice, it’s great with roasted air fryer vegetables, it’s delicious with Haitian black rice, and it’s wonderful with a simple green salad.
More Salmon Recipes You’ll Love
After you’ve made this Haitian Salmon stew recipe, check out one of these salad recipes next:
How To Store Leftover Salmon Stew
Once your stew has cooled down, store the leftover stew in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
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Salmon Stew Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs. Salmon; Wash and pat dry. Then season lightly with salt.
- ½ Cup Canola Oil; You may also use peanut oil, or any oil that's good for frying.
- 1 Small Onion; Sliced and divided
- 6 Garlic Cloves; Minced
- 1 Bell Pepper (Any color); Roughly Chopped and divided
- 4-6 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
- 2 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
- 1 Green Onion; Cut in half
- Fresh Parsley and Thyme; About 5 sprigs each
- 1 Habanero Pepper; Leave Whole. Break the pepper if you would like to add some heat to the sauce.
- ½ tsp. Ground Cloves
- ½ Tbsp. Capers with the liquid (if possible)
- Juice From 1 Lemon
- ¼ Cup White Wine Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper To Taste; We added ½ Tbsp. of each
- 1½ Cup Water
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Descale the salmon, if needed. We removed the skin. Then cut the salmon into even-sized pieces. Next, wash and pat dry the salmon. Third, season the salmon pieces lightly with salt and set them aside to marinate.Sear the salmon: Using a nonstick skillet measuring 12 inches in diameter, bring the oil to a shimmering temperature over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon with the skin side up (if not skinless) until it is golden brown and crisp. A few pieces may be stuck in the saucepan, and that's okay. Do not play around with the salmon pieces while they are cooking. This will allow you to have a beautiful, tasty, and golden crust. Lightly brown the salmon on both sides. You do not need to let the salmon cook completely as it will continue to cause in the sauce. You are looking for a light golden color.Repeat the process until you have lightly browned all the pieces, and set them on a paper toweled plate.
- Prepare The Sauce/Stew: In the same skillet over medium heat, add half of the onions and bell peppers, and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute), stirring constantly to avoid burning. Then add the mustard and tomato paste and deglaze with ½ cup water. Next, add the capers, ground cloves, herbs, and green onion, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and habanero pepper. Stir. Then add 1 cup of water. Next, add the salt and pepper, and salmon. Top the salmon with the sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Then add the rest of the onions and bell peppers. Cover and simmer for about 3-5 minutes. Remove from stove and serve.
Notes
- Cover the salmon with a lid while it simmers. This will also keep the salmon moist.
- Allow the salmon to cook/sear uninterrupted.
- Only break the habanero pepper if you would like your sauce to be spicy.
Angela Campos says
This Haitian Salmon Stew turned out amazing! It was easy to prepare and the entire family loved it. I can’t wait to make it again!!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Angela!
Meg says
I have never made salmon with these flavorings before, and love it. Stews are my favorite, and I love ones with spices and herbs. So much fun to have a salmon version now!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Meg!
Ana says
This Haitian salmon stew is packed with bold, comforting flavors that make you feel right at home. It’s hearty and satisfying, with a little spice that keeps each bite interesting!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Ana!
Catalina says
This Haitian salmon stew was a delightful surprise! The flavors were so rich and comforting, and the spices brought out the salmon’s flavor beautifully.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Catalina. Glad you enjoyed it.
Mahy says
I’ve never had salmon stew like this, but I am SO excited to give it a go. I bet the pictures don’t do justice to what the result really is. Exciting! =)
Mirlene says
Thank you, Mahy!