Seafood Moqueca with Coconut and Dendê Oil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Brazilian fish stew simmered in coconut milk, fresh tomatoes, peppers, and infused with the distinctive flavor of dendê palm oil. This brazilian-inspired brazilian (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs shrimp, peeled and deveined, coconut milk, dendê oil (palm oil) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp dendê oil and 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 sliced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 sliced medium red bell pepper and 2 chopped medium tomatoes to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes until tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes saucy.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb firm white fish pieces and 8 oz shrimp to the pot, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes until seafood is cooked through and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seafood Moqueca with Coconut and Dendê Oil take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Seafood Moqueca 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 shrimp, peeled and deveined from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seafood Moqueca 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 Seafood Moqueca 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.

Is Seafood Moqueca with Coconut and Dendê Oil gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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