Moqueca Fish Stew
Moqueca Fish Stew is a vibrant Brazilian seafood dish rich with coconut milk, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, delivering a comforting and aromatic flavor perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs white fish fillets (such as cod or snapper), cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon palm oil (dendê oil) or additional olive oil
- 1 cup fish or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 small chili (optional), sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or clay pot over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they break down.
- Pour in the coconut milk, fish broth, and palm oil, stirring to combine.
- Season the broth with salt, black pepper, and chili if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the fish pieces into the stew, cover, and cook gently for 10–12 minutes until the fish is cooked through and tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with white rice and extra cilantro for garnish.
Notes
For extra depth, marinate the fish in lime juice and salt for 20 minutes before cooking. Serve with fluffy white rice and a side of fried plantains for an authentic experience.