
St. Vincent's national dish — charcoal-roasted breadfruit paired with salted or fried jackfish in a bold seasoning.
Roasted Breadfruit and Jackfish is the national dish of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Breadfruit — introduced to the Caribbean by Captain Bligh — is roasted over an open fire until charred and smoky, then served with jackfish (a type of amberjack) that is either salted, fried, or stewed with onions and peppers.
Serves 4
Place whole breadfruit directly over a gas flame or on hot charcoal. Roast, turning occasionally, for 35–40 minutes until the skin is charred and inside is tender.
Rub jackfish fillets with green seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow to marinate 10 minutes.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry fish 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
In the same pan, sauté onion and tomatoes for 3 minutes until softened. Spoon over the fish.
Peel and slice breadfruit; arrange on a plate alongside the fish and vegetables.
The breadfruit is ready when a skewer slides in easily at the stalk end.
Score the fish skin before frying to prevent curling.
Use salted jackfish soaked overnight for a more traditional version.
Serve with fried plantains for extra heartiness.
Refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat fish in a pan with a splash of water.
Breadfruit was brought to St. Vincent by Captain William Bligh in 1793 as a cheap food source for enslaved workers. It became deeply embedded in the island's cuisine and is now a symbol of national identity.
Kingfish, mackerel, or snapper are good substitutes with similar firm texture.
Per serving (430g / 15.2 oz) · 4 servings total
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