(Recipe credit: Adapted from Kari Heron of chefandsteward.com)
When it comes to iconic Caribbean seafood delicacies, Jamaican Stuffed Roast Fish holds a special place at the table. Traditionally prepared by coastal vendors, beach shacks, and specialist island restaurants, this dish is a feast of bold, vibrant island flavors. Cooking the fish en papillote (wrapped tightly in parchment paper or foil) locks in steam, creating a wonderfully tender, moist dish steeped in butter, fiery habanero, fresh thyme, and native allspice (pimento).
Even better? This traditional recipe is naturally low-carb, keto, paleo, and diabetic-friendly, making it as nourishing as it is delicious!
At Thompson’s Seafood, located in historic Holcombe Market, Tottenham (N17), master fishmonger James sources fresh whole red snapper daily straight from Billingsgate Market. Stop by our shop opposite Bruce Grove Station to pick up your red snapper expertly scaled, gutted, and prepped for stuffing.
Recipe Overview
Course: Main / Seafood Specialty
Cuisine: Traditional Jamaican / Caribbean
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 1 (Multiply ingredients by the number of servings desired)
Dietary Profile: Keto, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Diabetic-Friendly
Ingredients
1 Whole Red Snapper (1.0 kg – 1.5 kg, scaled and gutted with score marks)
1 Small Onion (thinly sliced)
1 Stalk Spring Onion / Green Onion (chopped)
100g Okra (thinly sliced)
3 Cloves Garlic (diced)
Habanero or Scotch Bonnet Pepper (finely chopped, to taste)
3 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
½ tsp Freshly Ground Allspice (Jamaican Pimento)
¼ tsp Black Pepper
2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
50g Butter (cubed)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prep the Red Snapper
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan / Gas Mark 6). Rinse your fresh red snapper under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Make 2 to 3 diagonal scores across the thickest parts of the fish on both sides so the spices penetrate deep into the flesh.
2. Season the Fish
Mix the salt, black pepper, and freshly ground allspice together. Rub the spice blend all over the fish, ensuring you season inside the scores and inside the cavity.
3. Stuff with Caribbean Aromatics
Toss together the sliced onion, green onion, diced garlic, sliced okra, habanero pepper, and fresh thyme sprigs. Stuff the cavity of the red snapper generously with this aromatic mixture, allowing some to spill out over the top. Dot the butter cubes over the top of the fish and around the stuffing.
4. Wrap & Seal (En Papillote)
Place the stuffed snapper in the center of a large piece of baking parchment paper or heavy-duty foil. Fold the edges together tightly to create a sealed pouch (packet). This traps the steam inside, ensuring the fish cooks in its own juices and seasoned butter.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the parcel on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Carefully open the parcel (watch out for hot steam!) and check that the flesh flakes easily from the bone with a fork.
6. Serve Hot
Serve immediately right out of the parchment packet with a side salad, fried plantains, or traditional Caribbean hardo bread to soak up the rich, spicy butter broth!
Why Fresh Red Snapper from Thompson's Seafood?
To make authentic Jamaican roast fish, the quality of your catch matters. Red snapper is celebrated for its lean, firm texture and sweet, nutty flavor profile that holds up effortlessly against fiery peppers and fragrant herbs.
Sourced Daily: Hand-selected by James every morning at Billingsgate Market.
Custom Fishmonger Preparation: Cleaned, scaled, gutted, and scored to order at our Holcombe Market counter.
Rich in Nutrients: Packed with lean protein, potassium, selenium, and essential Omega-3 fatty acids.
Pick Up Your Fresh Ingredients in Tottenham Today
Planning a Caribbean feast or searching for keto-friendly seafood recipes in North London? Visit Thompson’s Seafood in Holcombe Market (N17 9AA), located directly opposite Bruce Grove Station.
Save time by using our online Click & Collect service at thompsonsseafood.co.uk or send us a quick message on WhatsApp at 07368118104 to reserve your red snapper and fresh seafood cuts for fast, queue-free pickup!
Tottenham’s Trusted Family Fishmonger at Holcombe Market | Managed by James
Welcome to Thompsons Seafood, located in historic Holcombe Market (N17 9AA) directly opposite Bruce Grove Station. Since 1972, our family-run fishmonger shop has provided North London with premium fresh fish, shellfish, and exotic delicacies.
