Brazilian-Style Shrimp Moqueca with Coconut and Cilantro
A fragrant Brazilian seafood stew simmered in coconut milk, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, delivering tropical flavors and tender shrimp. This Brazilian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, coconut milk, red bell pepper, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup water
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper and 2 diced medium tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until tomatoes break down and the mix becomes saucy.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, cover, and cook for 5-6 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tablespoons lime juice to brighten the flavors.
- Step 6: Serve hot with steamed white rice or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brazilian-Style Shrimp Moqueca with Coconut and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Brazilian-Style Shrimp Moqueca with Coconut and Cilantro?
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 Brazilian-Style Shrimp Moqueca with Coconut and Cilantro?
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 Brazilian-Style Shrimp Moqueca with Coconut and Cilantro 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 Brazilian-Style Shrimp Moqueca with Coconut and Cilantro?
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.
