Callaloo and Saltfish Recipe for Breakfast or Brunch

If you’ve ever had Callaloo and Saltfish, you know how comforting this traditional Jamaican breakfast feels. But if you haven’t tried it yet and you don’t mind hearty food, then add this Jamaican favourite to your list. The aroma of sautéed callaloo, onions, and sweet peppers, mixed with savoury saltfish, is enough to transport you straight to a Caribbean morning.

I grew up watching my grandmother make this dish on Sunday mornings, and even now, the smell alone brings back warm memories. If it was not served with boiled green banana, then it would be either boiled or fried dumplings. Calalloo is a recipe that embodies the warmth of home, with its earthy, vibrant, and full-of-life flavours.

In this post, I’ll walk you through my Callaloo and Saltfish recipe, share a few personal cooking notes, and suggest some classic side dishes to complete your Jamaican meal spread.

Why You’ll Love This Callaloo and Saltfish Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, and thus will be ready in about 25 minutes.
• Packed with healthy greens and protein.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
• An accurate representation of Jamaican callaloo recipes at their best.

Ingredients (Serves Two)

For the Saltfish:

• 170g (6 oz) salted cod (boneless, skinless if possible)
• Water (for soaking and boiling)

For the Callaloo:

• 2 cups chopped Jamaican callaloo (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 Roma tomato, chopped
• ½ small sweet pepper (any colour), sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• Black pepper to taste

How to Cook Callaloo and Saltfish

1. Prepare the Saltfish

1. Rinse the saltfish under cool water to remove excess salt.
2. Boil in fresh water for about 10 minutes, then drain and repeat if necessary.
3. Flake the saltfish into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Note: Some brands of salted cod are saltier than others. Taste after boiling and adjust. Also, you can always soak it overnight if you prefer a milder flavour.

2. Cook the Callaloo

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, tomato, and sweet pepper until fragrant.
3. Add thyme and Scotch bonnet (if using).
4. Add the flaked saltfish to the callaloo mixture.
5. Stir in chopped callaloo and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly wilted.

3. Combine Everything

1. Stir in chopped callaloo and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly wilted.
2. Stir well and cook for another 3–5 minutes until everything is well combined.
3. Season with black pepper to taste.

Your Callaloo and Saltfish is ready, and if prepared well, it is soft, savoury, and full of Caribbean flavour.

What to Serve with Callaloo and Saltfish

This dish shines on its own, but the sides make it unforgettable. Here are a few favourites:

• Jamaican Fried Dumplings – Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and the perfect partner for callaloo.
• Fried Ripe Plantains – Add a hint of sweetness to balance the salty cod.
• Boiled Green Bananas – A traditional, hearty side for breakfast.
• Festival or Hard Dough Bread – Ideal if you prefer something lighter but still authentic.

Cooking Tips and Variations

• No fresh callaloo? Use canned Jamaican callaloo; just drain it well before cooking.
• Want extra flavour? Add a splash of coconut milk for a richer, creamier version.
• Meal prep tip: Callaloo and Saltfish reheats beautifully and is perfect for next-day breakfast wraps.

Note: I often use olive oil instead of virgin coconut oil when I want a lighter taste, especially if serving it with fried dumplings. The key is to keep the balance of flavours, including savoury, herby, and slightly spicy notes.

What Is Callaloo?

Callaloo is a leafy green vegetable popular across the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica. It’s similar to spinach but has a heartier texture and an earthy, slightly nutty flavour. Jamaicans typically steam or sauté it with onions, garlic, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper, which are simple ingredients that bring out its rich, natural taste.

In Jamaican callaloo recipes, the vegetable often serves as the base for hearty dishes like Callaloo and Saltfish, pairing perfectly with the salty, savoury flakes of cod. It’s also loaded with iron and vitamins, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.

Your Callaloo and Saltfish

Every bite of Callaloo and Saltfish tells a story, whether it be of the Jamaican heritage, simplicity, nostalgia and the joy of good food. It’s a dish that reminds me to slow down, savour the flavours, and appreciate where I come from.

Whether you’re making it for a lazy Sunday breakfast, a hearty dinner or introducing someone to Jamaican cuisine for the first time, this recipe will always feel like a warm welcome.

Try it with fried dumplings and a side of ripe plantains, and you’ll see why this dish is loved across the island and beyond.