Moqueca recipe (Brazilian fish stew with coconut milk)

Moqueca is a flavorful Brazilian fish stew with coconut milk and cilantro. Taught to me by my Brazilian friend Fernanda, this chunky, creamy and filling seafood soup is ready in 30 minutes and will become a family favorite.

I was sweating as I ladled out my first serving of Brazilian moqueca to my guests. This coconut milk fish stew was the main course on a busy evening celebrating Brazilian music and flavors. This recipe was not my brainchild; it was taught to me by my friend Fernanda, who was standing beside me, overseeing my every move. 

Getting the flavors of this soup wrong meant offending my friend, her family's recipe, and centuries of Brazilian cooks who have been making this historic dish for centuries. I simply couldn't get it wrong.

Luckily for me, I didn't. The compliments came pouring in as guests sipped on their servings of this fish soup with coconut milk. And Fernanda's smile was worth every moment of stress.

Moqueca is a traditional Brazillian fish stew that's rich in flavor and history. Originating from the coastal regions, this dish showcases a blend of African, Indigenous, and Portuguese culinary influences. Its combination of firm white fish, fragrant herbs, and creamy coconut milk creates a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

I particularly enjoy how versatile moqueca is; it can be made with different types of seafood and can be adapted in various ways to suit your family's preferences and dietary needs. Don't like fish? Make it with shrimp. Run out of coconut milk? Substitute it with cream, or non-dairy milk. Want some heat? Add a touch of jalapeno peppers. 

Whether served over white rice to soak up the delicious sauce, like Colombian ajiaco soup, or accompanied by fresh bread, moqueca is a dish that brings warmth and joy to the table, making it a family favorite.

What Is Moqueca?

Moqueca is a traditional Brazilian seafood stew (Moqueca de peixe) that highlights the rich flavors of the coastline. Similar in flavors to Colombian Caribbean food, at its heart, moqueca is a nourishing seafood stew that's made with firm white fish and flavored with garlic, onions, tomatoes, tangy lime juice, and creamy coconut milk. These ingredients simmer together, infusing the stew with a vibrant, heartwarming taste.

What sets moqueca apart is the addition of dendê oil, a red palm oil that contributes a distinctive flavor and color. But while this ingredient can be hard to find in North America, we use paprika and neutral grapeseed oil to get a similar flavor.

The stew recipe typically includes firm white fish and sometimes other seafood like prawns or shrimp. It is essential to garnish it with fresh cilantro before serving, which adds a burst of herby freshness.

The simplicity of preparation is part of its charm, making it an accessible dish for home cooks. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, moqueca brings a taste of Brazil to the table, offering comfort and a whirlwind of flavor in each bite.

Ingredients

To make the moqueca recipe, you will need to gather the following fresh ingredients from your pantry and fridge:

• Halibut fish: make sure the fish is firm and fresh, and cut it into even pieces. You can also use cod, add seafood or even salmon, thought white fish is traditional.
• Vegetables: A colorful mix of chopped red bell peppers, red onions, and a couple of celery stalks adds both flavor and crunch. I also grab a bunch of scallions and half a bunch of cilantro, to add a burst of fresh flavor to the broth.
• Garlic: mince up some garlic cloves for that aromatic kick every great stew needs.
• For the base: I choose a neutral oil like grapeseed or peanut oil for sautéing.
• Tomatoes: a can of diced tomatoes and a can of creamy coconut milk bring everything together.
• Seasonings: I'm generous with the paprika and don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Dende oil (optional): this traditional Brazilian ingredient is part of what gives this dish a traditional flavor. However, I have found an easy way to replicate it - so check out the full recipe to get the breakdown.

Your kitchen will smell incredible as these flavors start to come together! See recipe card for exact quantities.

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Spatula

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here are the simple steps to follow to make a delicious moqueca:

Prepare the fish:

Begin by rubbing the fish with a mixture of garlic, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for about half an hour to infuse those flavors.

Cook the Vegetables:

Heat some oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and gently cook the onions, bell peppers, and celery until they're tender, about 10 minutes.

Mix the paprika oil:

If not using dende oil, mix 2 tablespoons of neutral or peanut oil in a small bow with 1 teaspoon of paprika and the remaining garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper.

Build the Base:

Add canned tomatoes, paprika oil, and a touch more salt and pepper to the same pot. Bring to a simmer and let cook together for 5 minutes. 

Layer the Ingredients:

Remove half the veggies from the pot and set aside. Then, over the layer of the cooked veggies at the bottom, lay the seasoned halibut over them, and top it off with the remaining vegetables.

Add the coconut milk:

Pour in the coconut milk over everything, lower the heat and cook until the fish is just cooked, which usually takes about 15 minutes.

Top with cilantro and scallions:

Add the diced cilantro and green onions to the pot. Season with lime juice, salt and pepper. I always taste it at this point to see if it needs any more seasoning.

Garnish and Serve:

Just before serving, sprinkle more fresh cilantro over the top for that burst of color and a fresh herb flavor. Enjoy!

Storage & Make Ahead

When I make Brazilian fish stew, I always set aside some for leftovers, because it tastes just as delicious the next day. To store, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days.

Accompanying Dishes

When you whip up a hearty batch of moqueca, serve it with a few side dishes that complement its rich and vibrant flavors. Here’s my go-to list:

• White Rice: The traditional base for moqueca, white rice soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.
• Farofa: Moqueca in Brazil is usually served with farofa, toasted manioc (cassava) flour mixture, which adds a crunchy texture contrast.
• Pirão: This is a thick, creamy porridge made with cassava flour and fish stock, and it's just heartwarming.
• Salad: I opt for a light and fresh green salad to balance the stew's richness.

Occasionally, I'll serve fried plantains for a sweet and savory touch, or a simple bean stew for an even heartier meal. Each side brings its own unique flavor and texture, making the meal a memorable feast!

More Soup!

For comfort in a bowl, I recommend a creamy kabocha squash soup or classic jewish chicken soup. For another fish centric soup, I recommend this fish soup you can make in your instant pot.

Recipe