Paleo Ackee and Saltfish

Transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with this vibrant and healthy twist on a classic—Paleo Ackee and Saltfish! This reimagined Jamaican favorite stays true to the authentic flavors while being Paleo-friendly, making it perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious, grain-free option. Featuring tender saltfish, buttery ackee, and a medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, this dish is simmered in fragrant coconut oil with hints of garlic, thyme, and optional scotch bonnet heat. Ready in under an hour, it’s a deliciously satisfying, protein-packed meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Serve it with cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad for a complete Paleo-approved feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Saltfish (cod)
• 20 oz Canned ackee
• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
• 1 medium Onion
• 1 medium Bell pepper
• 1 medium Tomato
• 0.5 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 2 Scallions
• 3 sprigs Thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the saltfish under cold running water to remove excess salt. Place the saltfish in a pot, cover with water, and boil for about 20 minutes. Drain, then repeat boiling with a fresh batch of water to ensure salt is sufficiently removed.

Step 2

Once desalinated, drain and let the saltfish cool slightly. Flake the fish into bite-sized pieces, removing any bones and skin.

Step 3

While the saltfish is boiling, finely chop the onion, bell pepper, tomato, garlic, and scallions. If using, carefully deseed and finely chop the scotch bonnet pepper.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add coconut oil.

Step 5

Sauté the onion, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper in the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 6

Add the bell pepper, tomato, and scallions to the skillet. Sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.

Step 7

Stir in the flaked saltfish and thyme sprigs. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Gently fold in the drained ackee, being careful not to mash it as it's quite delicate.

Step 9

Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 10

Season with black pepper to taste. Remove thyme sprigs before serving.

Step 11

Serve the Paleo Ackee and Saltfish warm, enjoying alongside a Paleo-friendly side like cauliflower rice or a fresh garden salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1486.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2595.8

Total Fat 126.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 689.5mg	0%
Sodium 33051.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 44.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.1g	0%
Total Sugars 23.6g
Protein 303.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 681.2mg	0%
Iron 22.5mg	0%
Potassium 2378.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.0%

Protein: 48.0%

Carbs: 7.0%