Creamy Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe Easy Authentic 5-Ingredient Meal
A quick and easy creamy Brazilian fish stew made with fresh white fish, coconut milk, tomatoes, lime, and cilantro. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners and impresses with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds fresh white fish fillets (cod, snapper, or halibut)
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 large lime
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: splash of palm oil (dendê oil) for authenticity and color
Instructions
- Rinse fish fillets under cold water and pat dry. Cut into 2-inch chunks and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften and release juices.
- Slowly pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer (3-4 minutes).
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Nestle fish chunks evenly into the sauce. Cover with a lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the stew and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Stir gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
- Serve immediately with white rice or crusty bread.
Notes
Use firm white fish like cod, snapper, or halibut for best results. Avoid overcooking the fish to keep it tender and flaky. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or fish stock. Fresh cilantro is essential for authentic flavor; parsley can be substituted if needed. For a spicy version, add fresh chili peppers or cayenne when sautéing onions and garlic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximatel
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: moqueca, Brazilian fish stew, creamy fish stew, coconut milk stew, easy fish recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free