Salt Mackerel Coconut Dumplings Rundown: Recipe

Salt Mackerel Coconut Dumplings Rundown: Recipe is a medium Jamaican recipe that serves 4. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Wesley Bailey on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 32 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min

Cost: $36.31 total, $9.08 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Mackerel Fillets (Skin removed, cut into 2‑inch chunks)
  • 2 cup Coconut Milk (Full‑fat canned coconut milk, shaken before opening)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (Finely diced)
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Diced)
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (Diced)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (Peeled and grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Leaves (Or 2 fresh sprigs, stripped from stems)
  • 1 teaspoon Parsley Flakes (Dried parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon All‑Purpose Seasoning (Jamaican all‑purpose seasoning blend)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Fine sea salt)
  • 1 cup Cornmeal (Fine cornmeal, for dumplings)
  • 1 cup All‑Purpose Flour (For dumpling dough)
  • 1 cup Water (Lukewarm, for dumpling dough)
  • 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (For sautéing aromatics)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables and Ginger

    Dice the yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into ½‑inch pieces. Peel and grate the fresh ginger.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Make Dumpling Dough

    In a mixing bowl combine cornmeal, all‑purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Add lukewarm water gradually, stirring until a soft, non‑sticky dough forms.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Form Dumplings

    Pinch off small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll between your palms to form smooth balls roughly 1 inch in diameter.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat vegetable oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and grated ginger. Sprinkle in thyme, parsley flakes, and all‑purpose seasoning. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Add Coconut Milk and Simmer

    Pour the coconut milk into the pot, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low

  6. Cook the Mackerel

    Add the mackerel chunks to the simmering coconut sauce. Sprinkle the ¼ teaspoon of salt over the fish. Gently stir once, then let the fish cook for 10‑12 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Low

  7. Cook the Dumplings

    Drop the prepared dumpling balls into the pot, cover, and let them steam for 10 minutes. The dumplings will puff and become tender.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low

  8. Finish and Serve

    Taste the run down and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt if needed. Ladle the stew and dumplings into bowls and serve hot.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
380
Protein
22 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Contains, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Fish, Coconut, Wheat (flour)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Salt Mackerel Coconut Dumplings Rundown: Recipe

Recipe by Wesley Bailey

A hearty Caribbean‑style run down featuring tender mackerel simmered in rich coconut milk, loaded with onions, bell peppers, ginger, thyme and parsley, and served with fluffy boiled dumplings made from cornmeal and flour. Perfect for a comforting brunch or dinner.

MediumJamaicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
32m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$36.31
Total cost
$9.08
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté aromatics without browning the onions.
  • Simmer coconut milk gently to avoid curdling.
  • Cook mackerel at low heat to keep pieces intact.
  • Steam dumplings covered for the full 10 minutes.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw fish with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use caution when working with hot oil and simmering coconut milk to prevent burns.
  • Sharp knives can cause cuts; keep fingertips tucked away while chopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mackerel Run Down in Jamaican cuisine?

A

Run down, also called "run‑down" or "rundown," originated in Jamaica as a way to preserve fish by simmering it in rich coconut milk, a staple of the island. The dish reflects the fusion of African, Indigenous, and European influences and is traditionally served at family gatherings and Sunday lunches.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of run down in Caribbean cooking?

A

In coastal Jamaica, mackerel or saltfish is common, while in the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, snapper or grouper may be used. Some regions add okra, pumpkin, or thyme‑infused oil, and others serve the stew over rice or with fried plantains instead of dumplings.

cultural
Q

How is authentic run down traditionally served in Jamaica?

A

Authentic Jamaican run down is served hot, ladled over a mound of boiled dumplings, rice, or boiled green bananas. It is often accompanied by a side of fried plantains and a simple green salad, and enjoyed with a cold ginger beer or sorrel drink.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is run down typically prepared in Jamaican culture?

A

Run down is a favorite for weekend brunches, family reunions, and church gatherings. It is also prepared for holidays such as Easter and Christmas, where the richness of coconut milk and fish makes it a celebratory comfort food.

cultural
Q

What makes Mackerel Run Down special compared to other Caribbean fish stews?

A

Mackerel Run Down stands out because the oily flesh of mackerel pairs perfectly with the creamy coconut base, creating a silky texture. The addition of boiled dumplings provides a hearty starch that absorbs the sauce, making the dish a complete, satisfying meal in one pot.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for run down versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional run down uses fresh mackerel, full‑fat coconut milk, thyme, scallions, and all‑purpose seasoning. Acceptable substitutes include other firm white fish, coconut cream diluted with water, and dried thyme if fresh is unavailable. However, substituting coconut milk with dairy changes the flavor profile significantly.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mackerel Run Down at home?

A

Common mistakes include overheating the coconut milk, which can cause curdling, and over‑cooking the fish, which makes it dry. Also, stirring the dumplings too often prevents them from steaming properly, resulting in dense dumplings.

technical
Q

Why does this Mackerel Run Down recipe use low heat for simmering instead of a rapid boil?

A

Low heat gently cooks the delicate fish and keeps the coconut milk from separating. A rapid boil would break down the fish fibers and cause the coconut milk to curdle, resulting in a grainy texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Mackerel Run Down ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the stew can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently over low heat. Add freshly boiled dumplings just before serving for the best texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Wesley Bailey specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Wesley Bailey focuses on Caribbean home cooking, sharing traditional recipes, cooking techniques, and cultural stories that celebrate island flavors and family meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Wesley Bailey's approach to Jamaican cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?

A

Wesley Bailey emphasizes authentic, family‑passed‑down recipes with clear step‑by‑step guidance, often incorporating personal anecdotes and cultural context. Unlike many channels that simplify dishes, he preserves traditional ingredients and cooking methods while still making them accessible to home cooks.

channel

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