Get ready to whisk your taste buds away on a vibrant journey to the sunny shores of Brazil with this incredible Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca! This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of fresh flavors, creamy textures, and an aroma that will transport you straight to a bustling Brazilian kitchen. Forget complicated dishes; this Moqueca recipe brings exotic elegance right to your dinner table with surprising ease. It’s comforting, nourishing, and undeniably delicious – truly a taste of paradise in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca Recipe

A Flavor Fiesta: Prepare for an explosion of taste! The creamy coconut milk, zesty lime, aromatic spices, and tender cod come together in a harmony that’s both exotic and incredibly comforting. It’s a truly unique flavor profile that stands out.
Effortless Elegance: Don’t let its gourmet appeal fool you – this Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca is surprisingly simple to make. With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can whip up a stunning meal that looks and tastes like it took hours.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the cod, healthy fats from coconut oil and milk, and fresh vegetables, this stew is a nutritional powerhouse. Plus, it’s a fantastic Keto-friendly option, making healthy eating utterly delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends, this Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca fits the bill. It’s impressive enough to wow guests but easy enough for a relaxed family meal.

Ingredients with Measurements

Gather your vibrant ingredients for this delightful Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca:

🥥 2 tablespoons coconut oil
🧅 1/4 cup chopped onion
🌶️ 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
🧂 3/4 teaspoon salt
🖤 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🌶️ 1 medium jalapeño, minced (seeds removed for milder taste)
🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
🧡 2 teaspoons paprika
🌿 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
🍅 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
🐟 1 pound cod, cut into 2-inch pieces
🥥 1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk
🍲 1/2 cup vegetable, fish, or chicken broth
🍋 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
🍃 Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions to Make Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca

Creating this delicious Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca is a breeze. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, sturdy skillet, gently warm the coconut oil over medium heat until it’s beautifully melted. Toss in your chopped onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and beautifully clear – this usually takes about 4 minutes.
Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the thinly sliced red bell pepper, then season this colorful mixture generously with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become wonderfully tender and release their sweet flavors.
Introduce the Spices: Next, add the minced jalapeño (remember to remove seeds for a milder kick!), minced garlic, vibrant paprika, and earthy ground coriander to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute. Your kitchen will now be filled with the most incredible, fragrant aromas! Then, gently mix in the diced tomatoes.
Add the Star – Cod & Liquids: Carefully arrange your lovely cod pieces directly over the simmering vegetables in the skillet. Pour the rich, creamy full-fat coconut milk and your chosen broth (vegetable, fish, or chicken) evenly over the fish.
Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover your skillet and let this delightful Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca cook for about 20 minutes, or until the cod is flaky, tender, and perfectly cooked through. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time.
Final Touches: Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if needed to perfectly suit your preference – maybe a little more salt or a dash of pepper. Finally, stir in the fresh lime juice for a bright, tangy finish and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of vibrant color. Enjoy your homemade Brazilian masterpiece!

Ways to Present and Serve Your Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca

Elevating your Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca from a delicious meal to a memorable dining experience is all about presentation and thoughtful accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

Classic Rice Pairing: The most traditional way to serve Moqueca is alongside fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the rich, creamy sauce beautifully, creating a comforting and complete meal.
Farofa Fun: For an authentic Brazilian touch, serve with farofa – toasted cassava flour, often sautéed with butter, bacon, or onions. It adds a delightful textural contrast.
Bright Garnish: Always finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. A few extra lime wedges on the side allow diners to add more zing to their individual bowls.
Plantain Power: Sliced and fried or baked plantains (either sweet ripe ones or savory green ones) are a fantastic complement, offering a sweet or starchy contrast to the stew’s richness.
Crusty Bread: Don’t underestimate the power of a good, crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible coconut-lime broth.
Serving Vessels: For a rustic feel, serve in individual earthenware bowls. The vibrant colors of the stew look stunning against a natural backdrop.

How to Store Your Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca and How Long It Lasts

Good news! This Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca is often even more delicious the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigeration: Allow any leftover Moqueca to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This stew freezes wonderfully! Once cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly, especially if there’s fish in it, to prevent the fish from breaking apart or becoming rubbery.

FAQs About Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca

What kind of fish is best for Moqueca?
Cod is excellent as it holds its shape well, but any firm white fish like snapper, halibut, mahi-mahi, or even shrimp can be used.
Is Moqueca spicy?
This recipe calls for jalapeño, and you can control the heat by removing the seeds or using less. Traditional Moqueca isn’t usually overly spicy, focusing more on fresh, rich flavors.
Can I make Moqueca vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Omit the fish and use firm tofu, chickpeas, or a mix of hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. Ensure you use vegetable broth.
What’s the difference between Moqueca Capixaba and Moqueca Baiana?
Moqueca Capixaba (from Espírito Santo state) uses olive oil, urucum (annatto), and no palm oil or coconut milk. Moqueca Baiana (from Bahia state), like this recipe, prominently features coconut milk and often dendê oil (palm oil), giving it a richer, more vibrant color.
What can I serve with Moqueca?
Steamed white rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), fresh lime wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro are classic accompaniments. Fried plantains are also a popular choice.
Is this Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca truly Keto-friendly?
Yes, with 5.7g Net Carbs per serving, this recipe fits well into a ketogenic diet, providing healthy fats and protein.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, a 1/2 cup of diced canned tomatoes (drain excess liquid) can be used as a convenient substitute.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
You can use olive oil or another neutral cooking oil as a substitute, though coconut oil adds a subtle flavor depth that complements the stew.
Can I add other vegetables to my Moqueca?
Absolutely! Sliced zucchini, bell peppers of different colors, or even a handful of spinach can be added with the tomatoes.
What does Moqueca taste like?
It’s a beautifully balanced stew – creamy from the coconut milk, slightly tangy from lime and tomatoes, aromatic from garlic and spices, with a delicate sweetness from the bell peppers, all enveloping tender, flaky fish. It’s a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.

Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca 🇧🇷

A rich and flavorful Brazilian fish stew, Moqueca, combining tender cod with coconut milk, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a healthy and easy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Cuisine Brazilian

Servings 4

Calories 339 kcal

Equipment

Large skillet

Ingredients

2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 medium red bell pepper thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 medium jalapeño minced (seeds removed for milder taste)
1 clove garlic minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 pound cod cut into 2-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup vegetable, fish, or chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet, gently warm the coconut oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and clear, about 4 minutes. Stir in the thinly sliced red bell pepper, then season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Next, add the minced jalapeño, garlic, paprika, and coriander to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, filling your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Then, mix in the diced tomatoes.
Carefully arrange the cod pieces over the vegetables in the skillet. Pour the creamy coconut milk and your chosen broth over the fish. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the fish is tender and fully cooked through.
Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if needed to perfectly suit your preference. Finally, stir in the fresh lime juice and sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Notes

This Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca recipe is a healthy, easy, and keto-friendly meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender cod, creamy coconut milk, and vibrant spices creates a truly comforting and flavorful dish.

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 339 kcal
Total Carbs: 7.5g (Net Carbs: 5.7g)
Fats: 25.9g
Protein: 20.2g

Delicious Brazilian Fish Stew Moqueca Recipe Guide