Moqueca is a traditional Brazilian fish stew that’s flavorful, aromatic, and comforting.
Featuring tender fish in a rich coconut milk and tomato broth with vibrant vegetables and fresh herbs.
This dish brings the flavors of the tropics straight to your table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb firm white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or sea bass), cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- ½ cup fish or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp palm oil (optional)
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp ground coriander
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Season fish with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in coconut milk, broth, optional palm oil, paprika, and coriander. Simmer gently.
Step 4: Add fish chunks to the skillet, nestling them in the broth.
Cover and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, until the fish is tender.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Pair with steamed rice, crusty bread, or farofa for a complete Brazilian meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, thaw the fish completely and pat it dry before marinating to ensure even cooking.
2. What can I use instead of palm oil?
You can omit it or substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable oil, though the flavor will differ slightly.
3. Is Moqueca spicy?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or diced chili for some heat if desired.
4. Can I make Moqueca ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the stew without adding the fish. When ready to serve, heat it up and cook the fish fresh.
5. What side dishes pair well with Moqueca?
Steamed white rice, farofa, fried plantains, or crusty bread are great accompaniments.
Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca)
Ingredients
- 1 lb firm white fish fillets, cut into chunks cod, tilapia, or sea bass
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced red, yellow, or green
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1-2 fresh tomatoes diced
- 1 can coconut milk 14 oz
- ½ cup fish or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp palm oil optional
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp ground coriander
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season fish with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in coconut milk, broth, optional palm oil, paprika, and coriander. Simmer gently.
- Add fish chunks to the skillet, nestling them in the broth. Cover and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, until the fish is tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Pair with steamed rice, crusty bread, or farofa for a complete Brazilian meal.
