Coastal Moqueca with Fish and Coconut Milk

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

A fragrant fish stew simmered with tropical coconut milk, bell peppers, and fresh herbs for a taste of Brazil's shores. This Brazilian recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs white fish, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 diced green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced large tomato and 1.5 lbs diced fish, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fish edges begin to turn opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with white rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coastal Moqueca with Fish and Coconut Milk take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Coastal Moqueca with Fish and Coconut Milk?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep white fish from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coastal Moqueca with Fish and Coconut Milk?

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 Coastal Moqueca with Fish and Coconut Milk 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 Coastal Moqueca with Fish and Coconut Milk?

Brazilian brazilian 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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