Also known as “Moqueca Baiana”, this amazing one-pot stew recipe is so simple and easy enough to make for a weeknight meal. While Brazil might be most well known for its grilled meat dishes, this seafood stew is also one of the country’s tastiest specialties. Brazilian fish stew, or Moqueca baiana made in this style is most popular on the coast of Brazil (in Bahia!), where freshly caught seafood is offered up in various ways, often with spicy chilies, zesty lime, and coconut milk. This Brazilian Fish Stew has a delicious sauce that is similar to a coconut curry, but with a few less spices. This lets the flavor of the fish and shrimp shine through wonderfully, resulting in a flavorful, well-balanced seafood stew. After dinner, why not try a traditional Brazilian dessert? My Brazilian Carrot Cake is so simple to make, with a rich chocolate frosting. Terry D
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bursting with Flavors: The combination of fresh firm fish, succulent shrimp, and fragrant spices creates the perfect blend of flavors in this Brazilian Fish Stew. Every bite is a burst of deliciousness. Easy and Versatile: This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and you can customize it based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to adjust the spice levels, add your favorite veggies, or even swap out the seafood for your preferred fish or shellfish. Nourishing and Filling: Packed with lean protein from the fish and shrimp, as well as an array of vegetables, this Brazilian Fish Stew is not only incredibly tasty but also a wholesome and satisfying meal. It’s perfect when you’re looking for a healthy and comforting dish.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this simple and amazing Brazilian Fish Stew:
Fish and Shrimp: You can use any type of firm white fish that you enjoy in this recipe. I’m using halibut, but haddock and snapper are also great options. Raw large shrimp are the perfect size, but shrimp that are slightly smaller or larger will also work just as well. Dende Oil (optional): This specialty oil comes from the palm fruit, and can be found online or in an African or South American grocery store. A good replacement for dende is red palm oil, but you can also just leave it out if hunting for it is too much! Seafood Stock: This gives the stew so much wonderful flavor! Canned seafood stock or fish stock is totally fine here. Coconut Milk: To give the stew a cool and creamy sweetness, use canned full-fat coconut milk rather than the boxed kind. Veggies: Bell peppers (I used red, but often red bell pepper is used), garlic, red onions, carrots, and jalapeno create the base layer for the stew, while cherry tomatoes are added in later for acidity.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Brazilian Fish Stew
Recipe Tips
Choose fresh fish and shrimp. For the best flavor, make sure to use fresh seafood. Look for shrimp that are firm, with a bright color and no strong odor. The same goes for the white fish fillets, which should have a mild aroma and firm texture. If you need to use frozen seafood, be sure to thaw it fully before cooking it. Adjust the spice level. Brazilian cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of jalapeno or omit it altogether. Feel free to experiment with other spices or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Storing Tips
Store any leftovers of this Brazilian Fish Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or fish stock to thin out the stew if it thickens in the fridge.
What To Serve With
Brazilian Fish Stew is traditionally served over cooked white rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also pair it with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
Can fish stew be frozen?
While it’s possible to freeze the stew, the texture of the seafood may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers that you want to freeze, make sure to cool the stew completely before transferring it to an airtight freezer-safe container.
Can I add other types of seafood?
Yes, you can customize this recipe by using your favorite seafood or a combination of different types of fish, shrimp, and shellfish. Try it with scallops or lump crab meat added. Enjoy this South American classic: Brazilian Fish Stew! You are going to love how simple it is to make, and how quickly your family gobbles it up. Don’t forget to Pin the recipe to save it for later! © Little Sunny Kitchen
