Haitian

Haitian Stewed Fish | Poisson Gros Sel | Pwason Gwo Sel


This Haitian stewed fish recipe is a comforting classic
that brings bold flavor without feeling heavy. Often known as Poisson Gros Sel or Pwason Gwo Sel in Haitian Creole, this dish features whole red snapper gently seasoned with fresh epis, citrus, and traditional dry Haitian spices.


The fish is slowly cooked with onions, parsley, and just enough heat from scotch bonnet peppers to build deep flavor without overpowering the dish. The result is tender, flaky fish in a rich, savory sauce that feels special, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Boiled green plantains and yam are the perfect match for Poisson Gros Sel. They soak up the flavorful cooking juices and add a
satisfying balance to the spiced fish. This is the kind of meal that feels grounding and familiar, whether you grew up eating Pwason Gwo Sel at home or are discovering Haitian cooking for the first time.

Using quality seasonings makes all the difference. Fresh
epis creates the base flavor, while dry epis seasoning deepens it as the fish cooks. Serve this Haitian stewed fish hot, spooning the onions and sauce over everything, and enjoy a dish that feels both comforting and celebratory.

Haitian Stewed Fish | Poisson Gros Sel | Pwason Gwo Sel
Servings

Prep time

25 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Ingredients

Fish and Marinade

Vegetables and Sides

  • 4 green plantains, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 medium yam, peeled and cut into chunks

Cooking Ingredients

Directions

1.     Clean the red snapper well, rinsing with water and lime. Cut three slashes on each side of the fish.

2.     Rub the fish inside and out with fresh epis and dry epis
seasoning. Marinate for 20 minutes.

3.     Rinse plantains and yam. Boil in lightly salted water until
tender, then drain and set aside.

4.     Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add salt and onions; sauté for 2 minutes.

5.     Add fish, parsley, and scotch bonnet peppers studded with cloves. Pour in remaining marinade.

6.     Cover and cook for 12 minutes per side until fish is fully
cooked.

7.     Serve fish with plantains and yam, topped with onions and sauce.