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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 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.

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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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