Simmered Coconut Fish Stew
Fragrant fish simmered in creamy coconut broth with bell peppers and mushrooms, served over rice for a tropical comfort dish. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs cod fillets, olive oil, medium onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 1.5 lbs cod fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups fish broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs cod fillets into 1-inch pieces. Dice 1 medium onion and 1 red bell pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup diced tomatoes and 1 cup mushrooms, cooking for 3 minutes. Add 1 can coconut milk and 2 cups fish broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add cod pieces and cook for 8-10 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice. Simmer uncovered for 2 minutes. Serve over rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Coconut Fish Stew take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Simmered Coconut 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 cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Coconut 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 Simmered Coconut 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 Simmered Coconut 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.