Fish Tea Soup Recipe

Fish Tea Soup, a vibrant and flavorful dish, is a staple of Jamaican cuisine. It’s a light but hearty soup that combines tender fish, aromatic herbs, and spices to create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. The "tea" part of the name refers to the light, broth-like consistency of the soup, which allows the natural flavors of the fish to shine through. Unlike some other heavy soups, Fish Tea is delicately seasoned and typically served as an appetizer or main course, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time.

Whether you’re recovering from a cold, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving a healthy yet satisfying meal, Fish Tea is an excellent choice. The soup is typically made with snapper, parrot fish, or other firm white fish, though you can adjust the recipe to suit your tastes.

Let’s dive into the recipe!

This Fish Tea Soup recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a light, flavorful, and hearty meal. The ingredients are simple, but together they create a perfectly balanced, satisfying bowl of comfort. The key to making a great Fish Tea is using fresh fish and allowing the broth to develop a rich, savory flavor without overpowering the delicate fish.

Ingredients Needed

Fresh fish (snapper, parrot fish, or any firm white fish) – about 1 lb (450g), cleaned and cut into chunks
Green onions (scallions) – 2 stalks, chopped
Thyme – 2-3 sprigs, fresh or dried
Pimento berries – 1 tsp (allspice berries), crushed
Scotch bonnet pepper – 1 small (use more if you like it spicy), chopped or left whole
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
Carrot – 1 medium, sliced into thin rounds
Potato – 1 large, peeled and cubed
Sweet pepper – 1, chopped
Tomatoes – 2, diced
Celery – 1 stalk, chopped (optional)
Lime – 1, for washing fish
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste
Water – about 4 cups (adjust to desired soup consistency)
Cooking oil – 1 tbsp, for sautéing

Cooking Instructions

Clean The Fish

Start by cleaning your fish thoroughly. Use lime and water to wash it-this step is crucial to eliminate any fishy odor and to give the fish a fresh taste. Cut it into manageable pieces (chunks or fillets, depending on your preference).
Prepare The Broth

In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and onions, sautéing them for a couple of minutes until fragrant and soft.
Add Vegetables

Toss in the carrots, sweet pepper, tomatoes, celery, and potatoes. Stir them in, allowing the flavors to mix for 5 minutes or so.
Pour In Water

Add the water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer. This is the point where the flavors really begin to infuse into the broth, so take your time and let it cook for about 15 minutes.
Season The Soup

Add the thyme, pimento berries, scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. At this stage, you’ll smell all the vibrant spices coming together.
Cook The Fish

Gently add your fish pieces to the pot, being careful not to break them apart. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and tender. The fish should easily flake when tested with a fork.
Taste And Adjust Seasoning

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want it spicier, add more scotch bonnet pepper or even a dash of hot sauce.
Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh thyme or green onions for extra color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down some of the key ingredients and their roles in the recipe:

Fresh Fish

The star of the show. Fish like snapper or parrot fish adds a mild, flaky texture that absorbs the rich flavors of the broth. Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this soup not only tasty but also nutritious.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper

Known for its intense heat, the scotch bonnet pepper gives Fish Tea its signature spicy kick. If you want to control the heat level, you can remove the seeds or leave the pepper whole while cooking, so it imparts flavor without overwhelming the soup.
Thyme

A classic Caribbean herb, thyme brings a deep, earthy flavor to the soup. It pairs perfectly with the fish, creating a savory base that elevates the broth.
Pimento Berries (Allspice)

This warm, aromatic spice is essential in Caribbean cooking. It adds a unique, slightly sweet and peppery note to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Carrots & Potatoes

These vegetables add body and a slight sweetness to the soup. Potatoes, in particular, help to thicken the broth slightly, creating a comforting and hearty texture.

Expert Tips

Use Fresh Fish

Freshness is key when making Fish Tea. If you can, try to buy your fish the same day you plan to cook the soup. Frozen fish will work too, but fresh fish will yield the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook The Fish

Overcooking can make the fish tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on the fish, and remove it from the heat as soon as it flakes easily.
Adjust Spice Levels

If you’re not a fan of too much heat, try adding the scotch bonnet pepper whole and remove it before serving. This way, you still get the peppery flavor without the intense heat.
Use A Pressure Cooker For Faster Cooking

If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker can help speed up the cooking process. You’ll still get the rich flavors, but in a fraction of the time!
Serve With Side Dishes

Traditionally, Fish Tea can be served with dumplings, bread, or even boiled green bananas. These sides help to soak up the flavorful broth and make the meal more filling.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Fish Tea recipe is delicious on its own, here are a few variations to consider:

Add Coconut Milk

For a richer, creamier texture, stir in some coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This adds a tropical sweetness that complements the savory fish.
Use Other Fish

If you can’t find snapper or parrot fish, you can substitute with other firm, white fish like cod, tilapia, or bass. Just make sure the fish can hold up to simmering.
Vegetarian Version

If you’re not a fan of fish, you can make a vegetarian version of the soup by replacing the fish with vegetables like okra, yam, and pumpkin, or even a plant-based protein like tofu.
Add More Herbs

Add herbs like parsley or basil for extra fragrance and flavor. You can also throw in a bit of cilantro for a fresh, zesty kick.

Final Words

Fish Tea Soup is one of those recipes that brings people together. Its rich flavors, combined with the tenderness of the fish and the comforting broth, make it a favorite in Caribbean households. Whether you’re enjoying it as a starter before a big meal or as a stand-alone dish, it’s guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

This recipe is perfect for those who love fresh, light soups that still pack a punch of flavor. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. From the ingredients to the variations, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Fish Tea!

Fish Tea Soup Recipe