Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1293 · Cou Cou and Flying Fish

Cou Cou and Flying Fish, and where to source it

Cou Cou and Flying Fish — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Cou Cou and Flying Fish Barbadian 5best2buy.com

Stir the cornmeal cou cou constantly with a wooden cou cou stick against the side of the pot as it thickens, so it turns smooth and elastic without a single lump; stopping the stir even briefly sets it grainy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook35 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineBarbadian
Cost$$
Gluten-free
Contains  dairy · fish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Cornmeal
Fine cornmeal cooked down into the smooth cou cou.
2 cups
Local / market
Okra
Sliced okra cooked into the cornmeal gives cou cou its body.
8 pods
Local / market
Flying fish
The Bajan icon, filleted and steamed in gravy.
4 fillets
Local / market
Bajan seasoning
The blended green herb paste that marinates the fish.
3 tbsp
Local / market
Tomato
For the light steaming gravy.
2
Local / market
Onion
Sliced into the gravy.
1
Source it →
Lime
To wash and season the fish.
1
Local / market
Butter
Beaten into the finished cou cou for gloss.
2 tbsp
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
One-pot
The Method
  1. Season the fishWash the flying fish fillets with lime and pack Bajan seasoning into them to marinate.
  2. Cook the okraBoil the sliced okra until soft, reserving the slippery cooking water for the cornmeal.
  3. Stir the cou couWhisk cornmeal into the okra water, then stir constantly with a cou cou stick over low heat until smooth and thick.
  4. Steam the fishSimmer the seasoned fish in a light gravy of tomato, onion, and herbs until just cooked through.
  5. Plate togetherBeat butter into the cou cou, shape it into a mound, and serve beside the flying fish with its gravy spooned over.
The Toolkit

Cou cou stick · Heavy pot · Skillet

Straight Answers
Can you make Cou Cou and Flying Fish in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Cou Cou and Flying Fish? — Yes

Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Can you make Cou Cou and Flying Fish ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Cou Cou and Flying Fish gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Cou Cou and Flying Fish vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1293