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Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca)

Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca)
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Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca) is a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful coastal Brazilian dish combining tender firm white fish, rich coconut milk, and bright herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot meal offers authentic tropical flavors with minimal fuss, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 400g fresh firm white fish filets (e.g., cod, snapper, or halibut), cut into chunks
  • 1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp palm oil (dendê) or high-quality olive oil
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Slice the onion, bell peppers, and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely. Heat the palm oil or olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and translucent, creating the savory foundation for the stew.
  2. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and tomatoes to the pan. Stir well and cook until the mixture becomes saucy and the peppers soften slightly, allowing the natural sweetness and acidity to meld.
  3. Incorporate Coconut Milk and Seasonings: Pour in the coconut milk and gently stir to combine with the vegetables. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Warm the mixture, letting the coconut milk thicken the stew and blending the flavors.
  4. Cook the Fish: Place the fish filets gently on top of the coconut mixture. Cover the pan and let simmer on low heat until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 8 to 10 minutes. This keeps the fish tender and infuses it with rich flavors.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lime: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the stew and squeeze fresh lime juice on top to add brightness and freshness to the dish.

Notes

  • Use firm white fish like cod, snapper, or halibut to keep the fish from falling apart while cooking.
  • Sauté onions and garlic gently to unlock deeper flavors.
  • Opt for full-fat coconut milk for the richest, creamiest texture.
  • Simmer gently after adding fish to prevent overcooking.
  • Add fresh herbs and lime juice only at the end to preserve their brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brazilian fish stew, Moqueca, coconut milk fish stew, tropical fish recipe, quick seafood stew, Brazilian cuisine, gluten free seafood

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/brazilian-fish-stew-moqueca/