Description
Bring the vibrant flavors of coastal Brazil to your kitchen with this hearty Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew. Made with tender white fish, shrimp, bell peppers, tomatoes, and coconut milk, it’s a perfect choice for a quick dinner or a special weekend treat. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a healthy seafood recipe, or something rich yet light for family meals, Moqueca offers a nourishing one-pot solution. This easy recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, and packed with fresh herbs and zesty lime to brighten every bite.
Ingredients
400g white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut)
250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
400ml coconut milk
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons dende oil (or olive oil)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Marinate the fish and shrimp with lime juice, salt, black pepper, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Let sit for 20 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until soft.
3. Add tomatoes and cook until slightly thickened, about 7 minutes.
4. Layer marinated seafood on top of vegetables without stirring. Sprinkle half of the herbs.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and cover. Simmer gently for 20 minutes until fish is cooked and shrimp are pink.
6. Uncover, adjust seasoning with salt or more lime juice if needed.
7. Garnish with remaining parsley and cilantro.
8. Serve hot with white rice, farofa, or crusty bread.
Notes
Don’t stir after adding the fish—this helps it stay intact and prevents breakage.
Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor and to balance the coconut milk.
If you can’t find dende oil, a dash of smoked paprika in olive oil mimics the color and adds depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: moqueca, fish stew, Brazilian dinner, seafood recipe, coconut stew