Moqueca Baiana-Inspired Fish Stew with Coconut and Dendê Oil

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

A fragrant Brazilian fish stew from Bahia featuring white fish simmered in coconut milk, tomatoes, and traditional palm oil for a rich coastal flavor. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs lime juice, salt, extra virgin olive oil 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 lb firm white fish chunks in a bowl and toss with 2 tbsp lime juice and 1 tsp salt. Let marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare vegetables.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 3 tbsp dendê oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion, 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large thinly sliced green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 diced fresh tomatoes, cooking for 3 minutes until the tomatoes break down and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the marinated fish chunks, cover partially, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 3 sliced scallions for a bright herbal finish. Serve hot with steamed white rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Moqueca Baiana-Inspired Fish Stew with Coconut and Dendê Oil 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 Moqueca Baiana-Inspired Fish Stew with Coconut and 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 lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Moqueca Baiana-Inspired Fish Stew with Coconut and 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 Moqueca Baiana-Inspired Fish Stew with Coconut and 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 Moqueca Baiana-Inspired Fish Stew with Coconut and 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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