Bahian Coconut Shrimp Stew with Dendê Oil
A vibrant Brazilian seafood stew from Bahia, simmered with coconut milk and aromatic dendê palm oil for a rich, tropical flavor. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, dendê (palm) oil, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp dendê (palm) oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp dendê oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 diced red bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup canned diced tomatoes and 1 cup coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, cooking for 5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice. Simmer for 2 more minutes before serving hot with rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bahian Coconut Shrimp Stew with Dendê Oil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Bahian Coconut Shrimp Stew with 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 Bahian Coconut Shrimp Stew with 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 Bahian Coconut Shrimp Stew with 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 Bahian Coconut Shrimp Stew with 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.
