Wash fish with water and lime juice, then pat dry.
Mix salt and black pepper, then use to season the fish generously.
Heat a saucepan with enough oil to shallow fry the fish.
Fry fish until golden brown, flipping once to cook both sides., then Place fried fish on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Discard used oil, then wash and dry the saucepan.
Heat the cleaned pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of oil.
Add onion, green pepper, thyme, pimento seeds, tomato, and scallions. Stir for 2–3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
In a bowl, mix water, ketchup, and vinegar.
Add the fried fish back to the pan.
Pour the ketchup mixture over the fish and spoon some of the sauce over the fish and vegetables to coat.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
