Moqueca de Peixe (Coconut Fish Stew)
A vibrant coastal Brazilian stew with flaky white fish, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic bell peppers, simmered to perfection. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, large, finely chopped (1 cup) onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 lbs, cut into 1-inch pieces white fish fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large, finely chopped (1 cup) onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, diced (1/2 cup) red bell pepper
- 1, diced (1/2 cup) green bell pepper
- 1 can (13.5 oz, full-fat) coconut milk
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat fish pieces dry with paper towels, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add fish in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 cup chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes over medium heat until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer, then return the fish to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately with steamed rice and a lime wedge.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Moqueca de Peixe (Coconut Fish Stew) take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 de Peixe (Coconut 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Moqueca de Peixe (Coconut 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 Moqueca de Peixe (Coconut 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 Moqueca de Peixe (Coconut 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
- ★☆☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
