Description
Moqueca, a Brazilian seafood symphony, brings coastal flavors dancing across your plate with bold spices and fresh fish. Rich coconut milk and zesty lime create a sensational stew that transports you directly to Brazil’s sun-drenched shores.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 500 grams (17.6 ounces) firm white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 can coconut milk (400 milliliters / 13.5 fluid ounces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the fish by coating it with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Allow the fillets to marinate for a quarter-hour, developing rich, tangy flavors.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature. Introduce diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate chopped tomatoes into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously. Allow the tomatoes to soften and release their natural juices for about 3 minutes.
- Carefully layer the marinated fish into the pot, ensuring each piece is nestled gently among the vegetables. Pour in coconut milk and sprinkle fresh cilantro, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.
- Reduce heat and let the stew simmer, covering the pot partially. Cook for 15-18 minutes, monitoring the fish until it becomes opaque and flakes effortlessly with a fork.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Serve piping hot alongside steamed white rice or rustic, crusty bread to soak up the luxurious, fragrant broth.
Notes
- Use firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass to maintain texture during cooking and prevent falling apart.
- Avoid over-marinating fish, as lime juice can start “cooking” the protein and make it tough if left too long.
- Consider adding palm oil for authentic Brazilian flavor, which gives a rich golden color and traditional taste profile.
- Adjust spice levels by incorporating malagueta pepper or chili flakes for those wanting extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg