Spicy Brazilian Moqueca with Coconut Milk

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-06 · Updated 2026-05-06

A vibrant Brazilian seafood stew simmered with fresh fish, coconut milk, and aromatic spices for a rich and comforting meal. This Brazilian-inspired no-cook recipe (gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs firm white fish fillets, shrimp, peeled and deveined, coconut milk 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 lb firm white fish fillets
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp dendê oil (palm oil) or olive oil
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup water

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp dendê oil or olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium sliced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 1 medium sliced yellow bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then add 1 lb firm white fish fillets cut into large chunks and 8 oz peeled shrimp. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until seafood is cooked through.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice, adjusting seasoning as needed. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread.