Moqueca Baiana-Style Coconut Fish Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-25 · Updated 2026-04-25

A fragrant Brazilian fish stew simmered in coconut milk, tomatoes, and palm oil with fresh cilantro and lime for a bright tropical flavor. This Brazilian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs lime juice, salt, black pepper 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.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds, cut into 2-inch chunks firm white fish fillets (cod or snapper)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons dendê palm oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large, thinly sliced onion
• 1 large, thinly sliced red bell pepper
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 3 medium, diced fresh tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 stalks, chopped scallions
• 4 cups, for serving cooked white rice

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toss 1.5 pounds white fish chunks with 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons dendê palm oil and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 thinly sliced large onion, 1 thinly sliced large red bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 3 diced medium fresh tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they break down slightly. Pour in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Add the marinated fish pieces, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 3 chopped scallions, cooking uncovered for 2 minutes to blend flavors. Serve hot over 1 cup cooked white rice per person, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.