Moqueca Fish Stew
Moqueca Fish Stew is a vibrant Brazilian dish featuring fresh fish simmered in a fragrant blend of coconut milk, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, delivering a rich and comforting coastal flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs firm white fish (such as snapper or cod), cut into chunks
- 2 limes, juiced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons palm oil or additional olive oil
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate the fish chunks with lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Set aside for 20 minutes.
- Heat olive oil and palm oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, sauté until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook until tomatoes break down and form a sauce, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the marinated fish pieces to the pot, cover, and let cook for 10–12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flaky.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with cooked white rice.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add diced shrimp or serve with fried plantains on the side.