Moqueca Baiana-Style Seafood Stew with Dende Oil

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

A fragrant and colorful Brazilian seafood stew from Bahia, simmered in coconut milk, tomatoes, and vibrant dende palm oil for a rich tropical flavor. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, dende (palm) oil, coconut milk 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 3 tbsp dende oil over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper and 2 diced tomatoes; cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down and mixture thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 pound firm white fish pieces and 1/2 pound peeled shrimp to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Cover and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until seafood is cooked through and opaque.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with white rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Moqueca Baiana-Style Seafood Stew with Dende Oil take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Style Seafood Stew with Dende 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 dende (palm) oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Moqueca Baiana-Style Seafood Stew with Dende 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-Style Seafood Stew with Dende 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-Style Seafood Stew with Dende 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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