Traditional Brazilian Moqueca Recipe

Savor the rich flavors of Brazilian Moqueca, a fish stew made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Perfect for a comforting meal.
A bowl of Brazilian fish soup, Moqueca, with chunks of white fish and colorful bell peppers, garnished with cilantro, beside a spoon and a napkin, set on a light gray surface. Perfect for those looking to try a vibrant new recipe.
A bowl of traditional Brazilian moqueca soup with fish chunks, red and green bell peppers, garnished with cilantro. Nearby are lime wedges, cilantro leaves, a cloth napkin, and a spoon.

Moqueca

A man in an apron standing in a kitchen.Liam Chen
A rich and flavorful Brazilian fish stew made with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Meal Type Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 4
Calories 375 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $19
Shopping Cost$39

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
 
 

  • 500 g white fish fillets such as cod or tilapia, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 bell peppers red and green, sliced
  • 4 tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup fish stock
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions
 

Marinate the fish:

  • In a bowl, season the fish chunks with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
    500 g white fish fillets, 2 tbsp lime juice, Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the aromatics:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
    2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion, 4 cloves garlic

Add vegetables and spices:

  • Add the sliced bell peppers and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
    2 bell peppers, 4 tomatoes
  • Stir in the paprika.
    1 tbsp paprika

Add liquids:

  • Pour in the coconut milk and fish stock. Bring to a simmer.
    1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup fish stock

Cook the fish:

  • Gently add the marinated fish chunks to the pot. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the flavors meld together.

Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, ideally with rice.
    1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Notes

Adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer bell peppers.
For an added layer of flavor, you can use a combination of fish and shrimp.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 30gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 1103mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3841IUVitamin C: 100mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Brazilian Fish Stew, Coconut Milk, Moqueca, Traditional Recipe

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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Moqueca is a beloved Brazilian fish stew that showcases the rich flavors of traditional cuisine. This vibrant dish combines coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, creating a delightful symphony of taste and texture. The creamy coconut milk pairs beautifully with the fresh fish, while the vegetables add layers of flavor and color. Moqueca is not only comforting but also represents the diverse culinary heritage of Brazil, making it a cherished choice for many. With its aromatic ingredients and hearty nature, this dish embodies the essence of Brazilian cooking, inviting moments of joy and relaxation with every bite.

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