Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca) Recipe

Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 103 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Brazilian

Description

A flavorful Brazilian Fish Stew, known as Moqueca, featuring tender chunks of white fish in a rich and creamy coconut milk broth infused with spices, peppers, and fresh herbs. Served with white rice and lime wedges, this dish is a delightful combination of savory and citrusy flavors.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the fish

  • 2 pounds firm white fish (such as cod, halibut, black cod, sea bass, tilapia)
  • juice from 1 lime
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

For the sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow or red onion, thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced or thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced or thinly sliced
  • 1 red chili, chopped or diced (adjust heat to preference)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons dendê oil, divided
  • 3 small/medium-sized tomatoes (about 1 pound), chopped or 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fish or chicken stock
  • 1 14oz can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
  • lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fish: Cut the fish into large chunks and marinate with lime juice, garlic, and salt. Set aside for up to 30 minutes.
  2. Make the sauce: Sauté onion in olive oil, then add peppers, chili, garlic, tomato paste, tomatoes, spices, and dendê oil. Cook until tomatoes break down.
  3. Simmer: Deglaze with broth, add coconut milk, and simmer until thickened. Stir in remaining dendê oil.
  4. Cook the fish: Add fish to the sauce, cook until just done, and season with cilantro.
  5. Serve: Ladle fish and broth over rice, garnish with lime wedges.

Notes

  • If not using dendê oil, substitute with coconut oil or more olive oil.
  • For a richer flavor, use fish or chicken stock; omit if unavailable but avoid using water.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approx. 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 510mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg