Amazonian Fish Stew with Coconut and Dendê Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, hearty fish stew from Brazil’s Amazon basin featuring tender white fish simmered in coconut milk and enriched with palm oil for a tropical depth. This Brazilian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs lime juice, dendê oil (red palm oil), onion, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb firm white fish fillets into 2-inch chunks and toss with 2 tbsp lime juice. Set aside to marinate while preparing the stew.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp dendê oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 2 chopped fresh tomatoes, cooking for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and create a thick base.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup water, stir to combine. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the marinated fish chunks. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes until fish is opaque and tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Amazonian Fish Stew with Coconut and Dendê Oil take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Amazonian Fish Stew with Coconut and Dendê Oil?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Amazonian Fish Stew with Coconut and Dendê Oil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Amazonian Fish Stew with Coconut and Dendê Oil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Amazonian Fish Stew with Coconut and Dendê Oil?

Brazilian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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