Print

Brazilian Fish Stew

Brazilian Fish Stew

This easy Brazilian Fish Stew is a rich, comforting, and vibrant dish featuring fresh firm white fish, tomatoes, coconut milk, and aromatic spices. It delivers a creamy, tangy, and hearty flavor that brings an authentic taste of Brazilian coastal cuisine to your table. Perfect for a nutritious and simple meal, this stew is warm, colorful, and versatile for any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 500g fresh white fish fillets (cod, snapper, or sea bass), cut into large chunks
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
  • 1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cups fish stock or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Cut fish fillets into large chunks and set aside your mise en place before cooking.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft. Stir in bell peppers and cook an additional 2 minutes to soften.
  3. Build the Stew Base: Add chopped tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes break down to form a sauce-like consistency.
  4. Add Coconut Milk and Stock: Pour in coconut milk and fish stock or water, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Cook the Fish: Add fish chunks to the simmering stew, cover the pot, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Finish with Fresh Cilantro and Lime: Remove from heat, stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

  • Use firm white fish to prevent it from falling apart during cooking.
  • Choose full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier broth.
  • Avoid overcooking the fish to maintain tender texture.
  • Add fresh herbs and lime juice at the end to maintain their freshness.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually by tasting throughout cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brazilian fish stew, moqueca, seafood stew, coconut milk fish stew, Brazilian cuisine, easy fish stew, gluten free, dairy free