Coconut-Infused Brazilian Fish Stew with Dendê Oil

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

A fragrant and hearty fish stew combining tender white fish with creamy coconut milk and the distinctive flavor of dendê oil, reflecting Brazil’s coastal culinary traditions. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs coconut milk, dendê oil (palm oil), medium onion, diced 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons dendê oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3 more minutes until slightly tender.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup vegetable broth, stirring to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Season the liquid with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then carefully add 1 pound white fish fillets cut into large chunks, simmering gently for 8-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for brightness.
  6. Step 6: Serve the stew hot over 2 cups cooked white rice to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut-Infused Brazilian Fish Stew with Dendê Oil take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Coconut-Infused Brazilian Fish Stew with Dendê Oil?

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 coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut-Infused Brazilian Fish 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 Coconut-Infused Brazilian Fish 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 Coconut-Infused Brazilian Fish 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.

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