Moqueca-Style Fish with Coconut and Dendê Oil

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-31 · Updated 2026-05-31

A vibrant Brazilian seafood dish of grilled firm white fish bathed in a creamy coconut and palm oil sauce infused with fresh herbs and vegetables. This Brazilian-inspired seafood recipe, 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 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

• 4 fillets (6 oz each) firm white fish fillets (like cod or snapper)
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp dendê (palm) oil
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 4 firm white fish fillets and pat dry. Marinate with 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper for 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush fish with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and grill marks appear. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp dendê oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced medium onion, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
5. Step 5: Stir in 2 chopped medium tomatoes and 1 cup coconut milk, simmer for 7-8 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Add chopped 1/4 cup cilantro and 1 tbsp olive oil, stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Place grilled fish fillets into the sauce, spooning over the top, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors. Serve immediately with steamed rice.