Brazilian-Style Fish Stew with Coconut Milk and Palm Oil

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-11 · Updated 2026-06-11

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A rich and aromatic fish stew featuring tender white fish simmered in creamy coconut milk and vibrant palm oil. This Brazilian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs palm oil, onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 lb, cut into 2-inch pieces white fish fillets (e.g., cod or snapper)
3 tbsp palm oil
1 medium, thinly sliced onion
4, minced garlic cloves
2 large, diced fresh tomatoes
1, diced red bell pepper
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup water

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp palm oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in 2 large diced fresh tomatoes and 1 diced red bell pepper, cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and release juices.
Step 3: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup water, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Season the broth with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb pieces of white fish fillets, cover, and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice for brightness. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread.