Moqueca-Style Brazilian Fish Stew

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

A fragrant and colorful Brazilian fish stew simmered in coconut milk, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, capturing the essence of Bahia’s coastal cuisine. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 40 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 420 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: 20 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs firm white fish fillets into large chunks and marinate with 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion, 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 medium thinly sliced green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and caramelize slightly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes break down and mixture is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, bring to a gentle simmer, then layer the marinated fish chunks on top. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until fish is opaque and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, drizzle with 2 tbsp dende oil or extra olive oil, and sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the stew.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with white rice or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Moqueca-Style Brazilian 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-Style Brazilian 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 lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Moqueca-Style Brazilian 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-Style Brazilian 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-Style Brazilian 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.

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