Moqueca-Style Fish with Coconut and Dendê Oil

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

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 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Moqueca-Style Fish with Coconut and Dendê Oil 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 Fish with Coconut and Dendê 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 lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Moqueca-Style Fish with Coconut and Dendê 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-Style Fish with Coconut and Dendê 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-Style Fish with Coconut and Dendê 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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