Easy Brazilian Fish Stew

Highlighted under: Easy Dinner Recipes

A delightful and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Brazil right to your kitchen. This Easy Brazilian Fish Stew is packed with fresh ingredients and spices, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-06T17:15:54.545Z

This Easy Brazilian Fish Stew is a traditional dish known as 'Moqueca'. With its rich flavors of coconut milk, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it’s a comforting meal that's both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich flavors of coconut and spices
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Healthy and packed with protein
  • A colorful and vibrant dish

A Taste of Brazil

Brazilian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, and this Easy Brazilian Fish Stew embodies these characteristics beautifully. The combination of coconut milk, spices, and fresh herbs creates a dish that is not only delicious but also comforting. Whether you're familiar with Brazilian cooking or trying it for the first time, this stew offers an authentic taste that transports you straight to the heart of Brazil.

The use of white fish fillets adds a delicate texture that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of the stew. The freshness of the vegetables and the aromatic spices complement the fish, creating a harmonious balance that is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth, and you have a meal that will satisfy any palate.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the great things about this Easy Brazilian Fish Stew is its versatility. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. The dish is quick to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules. With its bright colors and aromatic spices, it also makes for a stunning centerpiece at any dinner table.

Additionally, this stew is an excellent option for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. Packed with protein from the fish and loaded with vitamins from the vegetables, it's a nutritious choice for the whole family. Plus, the use of coconut milk brings a creamy richness without the heaviness of traditional cream-based dishes.

Tips for the Best Stew

For the best results, choose the freshest fish you can find. Cod and tilapia are great options, but feel free to experiment with other varieties, such as snapper or halibut. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different fish may require different cooking durations. Also, don’t hesitate to add your favorite vegetables to the stew, such as zucchini or spinach, to enhance its nutritional profile and flavor.

Finally, remember that the seasoning is key to achieving the robust flavor that makes this dish stand out. Taste the stew as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, and lime juice to your liking. A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add an extra kick for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious stew:

Ingredients

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your stew:

Prepare the Fish

Cut the fish fillets into chunks and season with salt, pepper, lime juice, paprika, and cumin. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

Add Tomatoes and Coconut Milk

Stir in the diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Fish

Add the marinated fish pieces to the pot. Cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.

Finish with Cilantro

Stir in the fresh cilantro just before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve hot with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth!

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Brazilian Fish Stew is best served hot and fresh, right out of the pot. Pair it with a side of fluffy white rice or crusty bread to soak up the rich coconut broth. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a light and refreshing complement to the meal. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top just before serving can enhance the flavors even more.

If you're looking to elevate the dining experience, consider serving the stew in individual bowls, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges. This presentation not only looks appealing but also invites your guests to customize their dishes according to their taste preferences.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This stew often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the fish from becoming tough. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or coconut milk if the stew thickens too much.

If you want to freeze the stew, it’s best to do so before cooking the fish. Simply prepare the stew up to the point of adding the fish, let it cool, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then cook the fish fresh when you're ready to serve.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fish, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

→ What type of fish works best for this stew?

White fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper works best due to their mild flavor and flaky texture.

→ Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stew in advance and reheat it. The flavors may even deepen overnight!

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free!

Easy Brazilian Fish Stew

A delightful and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Brazil right to your kitchen. This Easy Brazilian Fish Stew is packed with fresh ingredients and spices, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Easy Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
  2. 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 bell pepper, chopped
  6. 2 tomatoes, diced
  7. 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  8. 1 lime, juiced
  9. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. 1 teaspoon paprika
  12. 1 teaspoon cumin

How-To Steps

Step 01

Cut the fish fillets into chunks and season with salt, pepper, lime juice, paprika, and cumin. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes.

Step 02

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

Step 03

Stir in the diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 04

Add the marinated fish pieces to the pot. Cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.

Step 05

Stir in the fresh cilantro just before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 24g