Coconut-Lime Brazilian Fish Stew
A vibrant and aromatic Brazilian fish stew featuring tender white fish simmered in a creamy coconut milk and lime broth with fresh herbs and spices. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs (13.5 oz) coconut milk, lime juice, medium onion, diced 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 white fish fillets (such as cod or snapper)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried red chili flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk and 1 cup water, bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 4: Add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp dried red chili flakes; stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Cut 1 lb white fish fillets into 2-inch chunks and gently add to the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until fish is opaque and cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with white rice or crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coconut-Lime Brazilian Fish Stew take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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-Lime Brazilian Fish Stew?
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 (13.5 oz) coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut-Lime Brazilian Fish Stew?
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-Lime Brazilian Fish Stew 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-Lime Brazilian Fish Stew?
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.
