Coconut-Steamed Fish with Dendê Oil and Palm Hearts

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

A fragrant Brazilian coastal dish featuring tender fish steamed in coconut milk, enriched with bright dendê oil and tender palm hearts. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs coconut milk, dendê oil (palm oil), fresh palm hearts, sliced 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and pat dry 1 lb white fish fillets, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: In a large deep skillet, combine 1 cup coconut milk, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned fish fillets to the skillet, cover, and steam in the coconut milk for 8-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: While fish steams, heat 2 tbsp dendê oil in a small pan over medium heat until shimmering, then lightly sauté 1/2 cup sliced fresh palm hearts for 2-3 minutes until warmed and tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the fish carefully from the skillet and plate. Spoon the coconut milk sauce over the fish, drizzle with sautéed palm hearts and dendê oil.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut-Steamed Fish with Dendê Oil and Palm Hearts take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Coconut-Steamed Fish with Dendê Oil and Palm Hearts?

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-Steamed Fish with Dendê Oil and Palm Hearts?

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-Steamed Fish with Dendê Oil and Palm Hearts 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-Steamed Fish with Dendê Oil and Palm Hearts?

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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