Spiced Coconut Seafood Stew with Tiki Island Flavors
A fragrant seafood stew simmered in creamy coconut milk infused with warm spices and fresh herbs, evoking the essence of Polynesian tiki cuisine. This polynesian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, (14 oz) coconut milk, medium, diced red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1/2 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1/2 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces firm white fish fillets
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1 small, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until soft and aromatic.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp ground coriander, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk and 1 cup water, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add 1/2 lb diced firm white fish fillets and 1/2 lb peeled shrimp to the pot. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the seafood is opaque and cooked through.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 medium diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes, maintaining a gentle simmer.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Coconut Seafood Stew with Tiki Island Flavors take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Spiced Coconut Seafood Stew with Tiki Island Flavors?
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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Coconut Seafood Stew with Tiki Island Flavors?
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 Coconut Seafood Stew with Tiki Island Flavors 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 Coconut Seafood Stew with Tiki Island Flavors?
Polynesian 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.
