Jamaican Brown Stew Cow Kidney Recipe – Authentic Jamaican Style

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 Cow kidney may not be everyone’s favourite, but it’s a nutrient powerhouse, rich in vitamin B12, iron, and protein. In Jamaica, brown stew kidney is a traditional dish that gives rich, flavorful gravy, perfect with plain rice, callaloo, or lightly steamed vegetables. In Jamaica, we say cow kidney and not beef kidney.

I personally use freshly killed cow kidneys from the local butcher, trimmed of the outer membrane and thick core for a smoother texture. This ensures the flavor is mild and the texture tender.

If you want more healthy Jamaican sides, check out my Callaloo Recipe or pair with Plain Rice and Ground Provisions for a complete traditional meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs fresh cow kidneys, trimmed and cleaned

  • 1 medium onion, sliced

  • 2-3 scallions, chopped

  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole or sliced (adjust to taste)

  • 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme

  • 2-3 tbsp browning or dark soy sauce

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 cup water (or as needed)

Instructions

1. Preview the Final Dish

Authentic Jamaican brown stew cow kidney in rich, dark gravy, served as a traditional Jamaican dish

2. Trim & Clean Kidney

  • Cut kidneys in halves or thirds. Remove any tough central core and leftover membrane.

  • This step ensures the kidney cooks evenly and the flavor is mild

Fresh Jamaican cow kidneys on a wooden cutting board, ready for traditional brown stew preparation

3. Season Kidney

  • Place kidney pieces in a bowl. Add onions, scallions, scotch bonnet, thyme, browning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat.

  • Let it marinate 10–15 minutes if you have time for deeper flavor.

Raw cow kidney pieces seasoned with onions, scallions, and scotch bonnet, prepared Jamaican-style for brown stew

4. Fry Kidney

  • Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Fry seasoned kidney pieces until lightly browned on all sides.

  • Browning adds deep color and rich flavor to the gravy.

5. Add Liquid & Simmer

  • Pour in water just to cover the kidney. Cover pot and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes.

  • Stir occasionally until the gravy thickens and the kidney becomes tender.

6. Adjust Seasoning

  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove thyme sprigs before serving.

7. Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve hot with plain rice, callaloo, or lightly steamed vegetables.

  • A small portion goes a long way,  kidney is nutrient-dense, rich in B12, iron, and protein.

Recipe Notes / Tips

  • Always buy freshly killed cow kidneys for milder flavor and better texture.

  • Remove the thin membrane and central core if not already done by the butcher.

  • Fry first before simmering, this develops the dark, rich brown gravy that makes Jamaican kidney stew so iconic.

  • Adjust scotch bonnet heat to taste.




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