Spiced Brazilian Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Palm Oil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant and spicy Brazilian shrimp stew simmered in creamy coconut milk and vibrant palm oil with fresh herbs. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, dendê oil (red palm oil), coconut milk 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp dendê oil and 1 tbsp vegetable oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced medium yellow onion, sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 large diced tomato, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and sauce-like.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and firm.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with warm white rice or crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Brazilian Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Palm Oil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spiced Brazilian Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Palm 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 dendê oil (red palm oil) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Brazilian Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Palm 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 Spiced Brazilian Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Palm 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 Spiced Brazilian Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Palm 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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