Name: Jamaican Bully Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 tbsp sunflower oil (for frying); 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 spring onion, finely sliced; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 whole sprigs thyme; ½ Scotch bonnet chilli, deseeded and finely chopped; 1 large tomato, chopped; 1 pepper, cored and finely chopped; 240 g can corned beef; 2 tbsp ketchup; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; Cooked white rice (to serve)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with bold Caribbean flavor, this Jamaican bully beef is a quick, soulful dish that’s easy to whip up. Corned beef transforms into a savory, spicy mains course when sautéed with fragrant aromatics, Scotch bonnet heat, fresh tomatoes, and peppers—perfect over steamy white rice for a homestyle meal in minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tbsp sunflower oil (for frying)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 spring onion, finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 whole sprigs thyme
½ Scotch bonnet chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
1 large tomato, chopped
1 pepper, cored and finely chopped
240 g can corned beef
2 tbsp ketchup
Cooked white rice (to serve)

Directions

In a frying pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium–low heat.
Once hot, add the onion, spring onion, garlic, thyme sprigs, and chopped Scotch bonnet chilli. Cook for about 8 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
Add the chopped tomato and pepper. Continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until everything is tender.
Increase heat to medium–high and stir in the corned beef, breaking it up in the pan with a wooden spoon.
Add the ketchup and ½ tsp of freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and serve over steamed white rice, garnished with additional thyme leaves if desired.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Serves 2–3 as a main dish (can be stretched to 4 as part of a larger meal).
Prep Time: About 10 minutes to chop and ready ingredients.
Cook Time: Around 18–20 minutes total (8 min aromatics + 5 min veggies + 6 min beef).
Total Time: Roughly 30 minutes.

Variations

Extra Veg: Add diced carrots, peas, or callaloo/spinach for more color and nutrients.
Heat Adjustments: Use half a Scotch bonnet or substitute with a milder chili if preferred.
Flavor Boost: Stir in a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Herb Options: Swap thyme sprigs for a pinch of dried thyme and a bay leaf if unavailable.
Serving Suggestions: Also delicious wrapped in flatbreads, served alongside fried dumplings (festival), or paired with fried dumplings or plantains.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating: Microwave, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, or warm in the oven—add a splash of water if needed to loosen the texture.

FAQs

What If I Don’t Have Scotch Bonnet Chilli?

Use habanero for similar tropical heat or a jalapeño for milder flavor. Adjust quantity to taste.

Can I Use Fresh Coriander Instead Of Spring Onion?

Spring onion adds a mild sharpness and aroma, but fresh coriander (cilantro) can be a great substitute or addition at the end.

Is Corned Beef Already Cooked?

Yes—it’s pre-cooked. The frying step is simply to infuse it with flavor and heat, not cook it further.

Can This Be Made Vegetarian?

Yes—replace corned beef with crumbled tofu, textured vegetable protein, or jackfruit, and add extra seasonings for depth.

How Can I Make It Less Spicy?

Leave out the Scotch bonnet entirely, or start with a small pinch and taste as you go.

What’s The Best Rice To Serve With It?

Plain steamed white rice works beautifully, but coconut rice or rice seasoned with thyme and scallions also pair well.

Can I Prepare This In Advance?

Absolutely. Cook everything except the rice, cool, and store. Reheat when ready to serve with freshly steamed rice.

Why Use Ketchup?

It adds a subtle tang and sweetness that balances the spice and savouriness—feel free to use tomato paste mixed with a little sugar as an alternative.

What Can I Garnish It With?

Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, chopped scallions, or a wedge of lime for brightness.

How Do I Prevent It From Becoming Dry?

Cook on medium–high briefly just to crisp the edges, then remove from heat. If reheating, add a splash of stock or water to refresh moistness.

Conclusion

Jamaican bully beef is a nostalgic, flavor-packed dish that elevates humble corned beef into something deliciously comforting. With a medley of spices, aromatic herbs, and vibrant veggies, it’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinner—or to bring a taste of the Caribbean to any table in just around 30 minutes.

Ezabella

Jamaican Bully Beef