Moqueca Baiana a Taste of Brazils Coastal Cuisine

Recipe Introduction

Ever dreamt of sunshine on a plate? Then get ready. This Authentic Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew) recipe is calling your name. It's like a little holiday in a bowl.

A Brazilian Hug: What is Moqueca?

This vibrant Brazilian Fish Stew is from Bahia. It is a simple stew packed with amazing flavours. It's easier to make than you think! This recipe makes enough for 4-6 people.

Perfect for sharing, or not!

Why You'll Love This Moqueca Recipe

Honestly, this Coconut Milk Fish Stew is good for you! The fish is packed with protein and omega-3s. It's great for a special occasion, or even a simple weeknight dinner! I like to serve mine on a chilly evening.

It's something special.

I had Authentic Brazilian Food for the first time on Copacabana Beach. After that, I had to learn how to make it! This recipe brings back the taste of Brazil.

It's a trip down memory lane. It's so flavourful and easy to adapt to your taste. Now let's talk about ingredients!

Key Moqueca Ingredients

You will need good fish. Use cod, snapper, or sea bass. Make sure to use fresh ingredients! It makes all the difference.

To make your Moqueca Recipe the best, you need dendê oil. But don't worry! It's ok to use olive oil.

You can use olive oil and a bit more paprika for the color. This recipe is pretty forgiving like that! The result will still be delicious.

Get Cooking with Brazilian Seafood Dish

Get ready to enjoy this seafood Bahian Cuisine . Are you ready to dive in?

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Authentic Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew)

So, you wanna make an Authentic Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew) ? Awesome! Let's talk ingredients and gear. It's easier than you think.

I promise. Trust me on this one. This Brazilian Seafood Dish is going to become one of your favorites!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of Bahian Cuisine

First, you'll need 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil. Good quality olive oil makes a difference here. Then grab 1 large onion , thinly sliced.

Next, use 2 cloves of garlic , minced. We also need 1 red, 1 yellow and 1 green bell pepper , all thinly sliced.

Next, add 1 large tomato , chopped. Don't forget 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro . Finally, we need juice from 2 limes .

For the seafood part, you'll need 1.5 pounds (680g) of firm white fish. I like cod, but snapper or sea bass work too.

Cut them into 2 inch pieces. Also, get 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp. Peel and devein them, nobody wants the poop shoot.

Don't forget 1 (13.5 oz/400ml) can of full fat coconut milk! And 1/4 cup (60ml) of fish or veg stock.

Finally, you'll want 1 tablespoon (15ml) of dendê oil. If you can't find it, don't panic. I will tell you about a Dendê Oil Substitute .

Seasoning Like a Pro: Building Flavour for Your Moqueca Recipe

For spices, we're using 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin . Salt and pepper to taste, of course.

I like a pinch of cayenne too, if you're feeling brave. This Coconut Milk Fish Stew is all about that perfect blend.

If you can't find dendê oil, use another tablespoon of olive oil and add a bit more smoked paprika. Honestly, it's pretty close.

My Nonna used to say, "A pinch of this and a dash of that makes any dish perfect". This Easy Moqueca Recipe can be adapted.

Equipment You'll Need: Keep It Simple

You really only need a few key things for this Fish Stew . A big, heavy bottomed pot is essential. A Dutch oven is perfect.

You will need a cutting board and a sharp knife. You'll need something to chop the veggies and the fish.

A citrus juicer is handy for the limes, but you can squeeze them by hand. I have made this Brazilian Fish Stew with a knife, and some muscle memory and all the recipes come out just as delicious.

This amazing Seafood Stew Recipe is so easy.

Let's Cook Authentic Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew)!

Hey there, foodie friends! Ever wanted to taste sunshine? Honestly, this Authentic Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew) recipe is pure joy in a bowl.

Think vibrant flavours, tender seafood, and creamy coconut milk. It's easier than you think! Let's get you cooking some Authentic Brazilian Food !

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic!

First things first, let's get organized. Chop 1 large onion, mince 2 cloves of garlic, and slice 1 red, 1 yellow, and 1 green bell pepper.

Then, chop 1 large tomato and ½ cup of cilantro. Juice 2 limes. For the seafood, cut 1.5 pounds of cod into 2 inch pieces and peel 1 pound of shrimp.

This is your essential mise en place. It is so important!.

step-by-step: Moqueca Made Easy

Ready to cook?

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add the bell peppers and tomato, cooking until slightly softened.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if you like a little heat!). Pour in ¼ cup of fish stock.
4. Arrange the cod and shrimp over the vegetables. Drizzle with lime juice.
5. Pour in 1 (13.5 oz) can of coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for around 15- 20 minutes , until the fish flakes easily and the shrimp are pink.
6. Stir in 1 tablespoon of dendê oil (or olive oil) and most of the cilantro.
7. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining cilantro!

Pro Tips for the Best Fish Stew

Don't overcook the seafood. The shrimp should be opaque and the fish should flakes easily. Use the freshest ingredients you can find.

Looking for a Seafood Stew Recipe ? This is it! If you can't find dendê oil, don't sweat it. Extra olive oil and a touch more smoked paprika will do the trick.

Trust me, this Easy Moqueca Recipe is gonna be a hit!

Recipe Notes: Making Your Authentic Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew) Sing!

Okay, so you're about to embark on making this Authentic Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew) . Awesome! I've got a few extra notes to help you nail this dish.

Honestly, little tweaks can make a world of difference. Let's dive in, shall we? This Moqueca Recipe is a good start for the wonderful world of Brazilian Fish Stew .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation is key, right? I reckon this Brazilian Seafood Dish looks amazing served family style in the pot. For individual portions, spoon the stew over a bed of fluffy white rice.

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top makes it pop. A wedge of lime on the side brightens everything up.

Think about a crisp white wine like a Vinho Verde. Otherwise, a classic Caipirinha will transport you right to a beach in Bahia.

This Seafood Stew Recipe will impress all your guests!.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Leftover Coconut Milk Fish Stew is your friend! It tastes even better the next day, I swear! To refrigerate, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't the best idea. The coconut milk can separate and become a bit weird. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium low heat.

Be careful not to boil it. The fish can get tough.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Wanna mix it up? You totally can! For a vegetarian version, try using hearts of palm. Tofu would work great.

Simply sub them for the fish and shrimp. A Dendê Oil Substitute is just more olive oil plus smoked paprika! Easy peasy! This Easy Moqueca Recipe can be adapted to your taste.

This Bahian Cuisine dish is so amazing.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, quick nutritional rundown. Each serving is around 450 to 550 calories. It's packed with protein from the fish and shrimp (about 40-50 grams!).

You also get healthy fats from the coconut milk (25-35 grams). Carbs are moderate (15-25 grams). All those colorful veggies bring a lot of vitamins and antioxidants.

Plus, Fish Stew is really good for your heart and brain, you know?

So there you have it! You now have all the recipe notes you need to ace this Authentic Brazilian Food dish.

Go on, give it a go! I bet you'll absolutely love it.